Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has introduced a new levy in Abuja amidst crunching economic hardship.The regime will compel Abuja residents to obtain permit before they could “use radio, television, electronic and other related devices”.

The tax will run as high as fifty thousand Naira, while penalty for non-compliance may be as high as five thousand Naira.

A baffled resident of Gwarinpa estate in Abuja, Bingel Baba’am, who received the notice on October 6, 2025, could not hide her obfuscation at the document, which was delivered to her house.

Baba’am, who is fond of sharing relatable, humorous insights into Nigerian daily life, from viral rants about unexpected fees like TV usage charges to light-hearted reactions to political flip-flops and kitchen fails, posted on her “X”, formerly Twitter, handle, @humeeemk:

“We got a letter today demanding we pay for using TV and other services and this is the craziest thing I have come across ever.

“We should pay for watching our own TV with our electricity and satellite subscription. Lmfaoooo.”

According to the document, the new levy is pursuant and in exercise of the powers conferred upon the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) by the 4th Schedule, Section 7(1)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Section 1, Part XIX, Radio and Television Licence Bye-Law (No. 19) of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), 2024.

All payment(s) are expected to be made in full not later than twenty-one days from the date the notice is issued.Failure to pay the Radio and Television Levy is an offence and is punishable by the above-referenced law.

The offender may be arraigned before a Magistrate Court, the notice warned.

Also, the offending premises may possibly be sealed-off “in accordance with the law”.

It went further to warn that any payments made outside the prescribed account below shall be treated as invalid.

See a copy of the permit below: