AMAC Residents Protest Revival of Television and Radio Tax

Residents of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) are expressing strong opposition to the area council’s decision to enforce a previously dormant tax on television and radio ownership, describing the move as ill-timed and insensitive amid current economic challenges.

The controversy follows the recent distribution of demand notices requiring residents to pay license fees for owning these devices, based on the recently assented AMAC Radio and Television Licence By-Law (No. 19) of 2024. The notices give residents 21 days to comply, with non-payment carrying potential penalties including court arraignment and premises sealing.

The fee structure categorizes payments as in three categories, including large banks and multinationals: ₦1,000,000 annually, medium-sized businesses: ₦50,000 to ₦200,000, and residential properties: ₦3,500 to ₦20,000 per dwelling.

Residents have taken to social media to share the notices and voice their discontent, with community leader Samson Isah characterized the policy as “not only ridiculous but inhuman to many residents who are struggling to live.”

AMAC officials have defended the measure, with Supervisory Councillor for Special Duties Emmanuel Inyang explaining that the tax is constitutional and not new, though enforcement had been relaxed until now.

“The law allows the Area Council to collect revenue on radio and television. It has been there all this while,” Inyang stated, acknowledging that many residents are unaware of the provision and promising public enlightenment campaigns.

Legal expert, Dayo Akinlaja SAN noted that television licensing falls under local government functions as prescribed by the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution.

However, EMD Umukoro Esq. questioned the relevance of such provisions in the modern era, suggesting that “such provisions should be expunged as they are capable of causing disaffection and giving rise to abuse and conflicts among citizens.”

As the debate continues, residents are calling for either suspension of the policy or clearer explanations of its necessity and intended use of generated revenue.