Court Strikes Down AMAC’s Radio/TV Licence Bye-Law In Yaliam Case  [FULL JUDGMENT]

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has set aside the Abuja Municipal Area Council’s (AMAC) Radio/Television and Communication Mast Bye-Law, 2012. The ruling follows a suit filed by Yaliam Press Limited, a security printing company, challenging AMAC’s demand for a ₦1,000,000 radio and television license fee.

In a notice dated April 17, 2021, AMAC demanded the fee based on its 2012 bye-law. Yaliam Press objected and, on September 23, 2021, served AMAC a letter warning of legal action if the demand was not withdrawn.

The court ruled that AMAC lacked the constitutional power to impose a radio and television license separate from federal law. It declared the 2012 bye-law unconstitutional, unlawful, and invalid.

The judgment included several key orders:

1. AMAC has no authority to enact a radio and television license law in the FCT beyond what the Constitution provides.
2. The 2012 bye-law is unconstitutional, invalid, and cannot be enforced.
3. AMAC’s demand notice to Yaliam Press is invalid since the company does not operate radio or television services.
4. The court officially set aside the 2012 bye-law.
5. AMAC is restrained from further demanding fees under the invalidated bye-law.

T.R. Agbanyi, counsel from Y.C. Maikyau & Co., represented Yaliam Press in the case. The ruling marks a significant victory for businesses challenging unauthorized levies in the FCT.

JUDGMENT – YALIAM PRESS V AMAC (2)

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