FCTA directs companies in Abuja to pay N650k for environmental audit

The federal capital territory administration (FCTA) has directed companies operating in Abuja, the nation’s capital, to pay the sum of N650,000 for an environmental audit.

The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) in a letter addressed to a company sighted by TheCable said N150,000 will be paid as an administrative charge while N500,000 will be paid as a review charge.

The letter, dated March 25, 2023, said the environmental audit is in accordance with AEPB Act 10 of 1997 and sections 17-20 of the solid waste control/environmental monotoring regulations 2005.

“You are requested to submit an Environmental Audit report of all your facility in accordance with the Abuja Environmental Protection Board ACT 10 of 1997 and Sections 17-20 of the Solid Waste Control/ Environmental Monitoring Regulations 2005,” the letter reads.

“The Terms of reference of the Audit among others are: Parking facilities; Environmental Laboratory Analyses; Health and Workers Safety; Waste Management; Material Balance; Environmental Conservation; Evaluation of Impact and Mitigation Measures; Traffic Control measures, Environmental Monitoring/ Management Plan etc.

“Please Note that the Audit will be carried out under the Board’s supervision by an Accredited AEPB Environmental Consultant.

“You are also expected to pay an Administrative Charge of N150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) only to the Board upon engagement of a Consultant and review charge of N500,000. 00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) only to be paid through the Consultant.

“For further enquiries and choice of consultant, you are advised to pick from the attached list.
List of Consultants not duly signed and stamped should be disregarded or Contact the Director, Department of Environmental Monitoring on the 1st Floor of AEPB, Plot 776 Cadastral Zone AO, CBD, Abuja within 7 working days on receipt of this letter.

“A satisfactorily conducted (EA) exercise in accordance with AEPB Act Policy results in the issuance of an ElA/EA certificate by the Board.

“Please note that failure to comply within the stipulated time shall warrant appropriate sanctions including prosecution.”