News

N10bn debt: FCTA to seal up govt offices, hotels

As workers prepare to resume work after the Easter holiday, some government offices, hotels, plazas and other business facilities may be under lock and key due to debts owed to the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB).

This is coming on the heels of the task team set up by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, to recover over N10 billion owed the AEPB by several government agencies, business, and residential apartments in the nation’s capital.

The latest development was disclosed by the Director of AEPB, Engr. Osilama Briamah, while addressing newsmen over the weekend.

Briamah said the task team, headed by him, has been mandated to apply all legal means to recover the huge sum of money from the debtors, adding that the debts accrued over time due to the failure of those concerned to pay for services rendered to them by the AEPB.

He said: “All of us desire to live and work in a world-class city compared to other beautiful cities around the world. But we can only do that successfully if we behave as responsible citizens by paying our utility bills especially for solid and liquid waste collection.

“Unfortunately, many agencies, residential apartments, hotels, plazas and so on, are not paying their bills as expected. That makes it difficult to raise the money needed to manage a mega-city like Abuja.

READ ALSO: Airline operators kick as passengers attack Max Air staff in Abuja

“Beginning from 5:30 am on Tuesday, April 19, based on a court order already obtained by the AEPB, the task team will embark on mass seal-up of these facilities with the aim of recovering the huge money.”

He lamented that the AEPB had made moves to provide soft-landing for the debtors through negotiated settlement but to no avail, adding that the only option left was to apply the legal means by enforcing the court order to seal up the affected facilities.

The AEPB Director, however, said the affected debtors can avoid the impending embarrassment by ensuring prompt payment of their liabilities.

He stated that the payments can be made conveniently through the Remita portal.

The Star

Segun Ojo

Recent Posts

Remi Tinubu fulfils N10m pledge to 12-year-old Ogun artist

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has fulfilled her N10 million education pledge to 12-year-old Ogun State…

4 hours ago

Troops foil kidnap attempt at late Gen Bagudos’ home

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have foiled an alleged kidnapping attempt at the residence of…

4 hours ago

2027: INEC opposes Atiku’s bid to amend suit against Tinubu, APC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has opposed an application by the African Democratic Congress…

4 hours ago

FG begins N18bn payout to ex-Nigeria Airways workers

More than two decades after Nigeria Airways was liquidated, the Federal Government has begun settling…

4 hours ago

Melaye to EFCC: Invite Atiku, face trouble

Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye has warned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against…

5 hours ago

T-Pain sues Akon’s label over $489,000 royalties

American singer T-Pain has taken legal action against Konvict Entertainment, the record label founded by…

6 hours ago

This website uses cookies.