Lagos: Council Demands 15K Fumigation Fee From Churches

The officials of Oshodi Local Government council area of Lagos State, have been accused of demanding fees for fumigation and certificates from churches in their community.

Pastor of a Pentecostal church in the area who pleaded anonymity disclosed that a fee of N15000 was demanded from them for the certificate and fumigation process.

According to Pastor, the local government council worker insists on collecting a sum 15,000naira despite it not being part of the requirement of church reopening in the state.

He disclosed that the council worker settled for 10,000naira after much consultation and pleading as they insist fumigation and certificate is required for church reopening in the state.

“They asked if those who did the fumigation gave us a certificate and we said no.

“They said we should prepare for them because when they come for inspection, they would demand a certificate of fumigation from us.

“We told them it’s not part of the listed items by the Lagos State Government. But they insisted that it’s a requirement for them.

“We asked how much it would cost and they said N15,000. We were surprised and told them that we did not have any money and that we had given a lot of palliatives to the community.

“After some haggling, they said we should pay N10,000, which we said we could not afford. A community leader told them not to come to our church yesterday (Sunday), and we would sort it out this week,” the pastor said.

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Reacting to the allegation, Chairman of Oshodi/ Isolo LGA, Bolaji Ariyo when contacted said, he does not remember the amount to be paid but churches have no choices than to pay if it is part of regulations.

He said: “if it is the regulation, there is nothing anyone can do about it. I don’t remember the amount, but if that is the bill given to them, then it is meant to be paid.”

However, the vice-chairman, Daisi Oso, said, “it is not in our purview to check any church. It is the Lagos state government that is doing it and there is an agency in charge of that. As a local government, we don’t know about it.