The Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN), a pro-democracy, anti-corruption and human rights Civil Society Organisation, has filed a Motion on Notice before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory seeking to restrain the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and its alleged Technical Partner, Omafit World Integrated Limited, from continuing the collection of what it describes as “excessive and unlawful Community Tax/Development Levy” from residents and businesses in Abuja.
The application filed on 22nd January 2026 forms part of Suit No. CV/3763/24, currently pending before Hon. Justice N.C Nwabulu of the FCT High Court 35, Kurudu, Abuja. In the motion, GICN is asking the Court to grant an interlocutory injunction preventing AMAC, its Executive Chairman Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, Omafit World Integrated Limited, and Mr. Okon Mpafit from demanding or collecting levies above the ₦1,000 annual amount provided under the Abuja Municipal Area Council Community Development Levy and Allied Matters Bye-Law (No. 14B) 2019, pending the determination of the substantive suit.
According to the court processes sighted by journalists, the dispute arose following series of demand notices allegedly issued to individuals and corporate bodies within AMAC in sums said to run into Millions of Naira. GICN contends that these demands are inconsistent with the provisions of the applicable bye-law and has questioned the legal basis for the assessments.
The organisation further states in its filings that levy collection activities have allegedly continued despite the pendency of the suit. It cites instances between January and March 2025 where demand notices were reportedly served on companies including SCC Nigeria Limited and Arab Contractors, as well as other businesses operating within the Council area. It argues that the continuation of such demands while the matter is before the court risks rendering the outcome of the case ineffective.
GICN also raises concerns about the involvement of a private company described as a “Technical Partner” in the assessment and collection process. The group maintains that the use of private agents in revenue collection raises serious accountability and transparency issues, particularly where the legality and scale of the levies themselves are in dispute.
In its affidavit before the court, GICN asserts that residents and business operators have allegedly faced threats, harassment and disruption of their activities for failure to comply with the disputed levy demands. The organisation argues that damages would not be an adequate remedy and that only a court order preserving the status quo can prevent further hardship while the legal issues are resolved.
While the case is pending, GICN is urging Abuja residents and business owners not to pay any Community Tax or Development Levy amount that exceeds the sum prescribed under the 2019 Bye-Law until the dispute before the court is fully resolved. The organisation emphasizes that this position is aimed at preventing further financial strain on citizens and businesses while the court determines the legality or otherwise of the contested levies.
GICN reiterates that it is not opposed to lawful revenue generation by Area Councils but insists that any taxes or levies imposed on citizens must strictly comply with existing laws and due process. The group says its action is intended to protect residents from what it views as unlawful financial impositions and to strengthen transparency and accountability in local governance.
The matter is scheduled for hearing on 9th March 2026 and GICN has pledged to keep the public informed as proceedings unfold.
Signed:
Leticia Omeiza
(Media Officer, GICN)