Kogi signage agency set to remove illegal billboards, posters »

Following reports of erections, pasting of bill boards and posters without due approval and authorisation, the Kogi State signage and Advertisement Agency have announced its plan to remove such unlawfully mounted and pasted entities across the state.

In a press statement signed by the General Manager of the Agency, Mr. Richard Osaseyi he stated that these bill boards are erected by business owners, support groups, religious organizations, political parties and they would be removed for not complying with the stipulated laws.

While the General Manager reiterated the roles of the Agency which included, controlling outdoor structures to be used for Signage and Advertisment; Issuing licences and permits for the construction of placement of outdoor structures in any part of the State; Protecting the Environment from potential adverse impact from visual blights; Controlling the number, size and location of outdoor structures, he emphasized the Agency reserves the right to protect the environment and ensure that outdoor structures do not pose any risk to the people of Kogi State, particularly motorists.

He said “The Agency has noticed with dismay that most of these billboards are erected without due consideration for the environment and proper assessment of the location by the Agency. This flagrant disregard has however brought about environmental hazards such as blockage of drainage, erosion and so on. It also poses a great risk to motorists as some of these billboards exist in locations and spots where vehicular movement is greatly hampered”.

He added that many of these billboards have been erected without following laid down procedures and proper channels as prescribed by the Law hence the General Public is put on notice that all billboards that have been erected without proper authorization will be pulled down from the 7th August, 2023.

The General Manager of the Agency, called calls on the General public, particularly Business owners, political parties and Religious bodies to comply fully and strictly with the Law and the rules of outdoor advertising as the Agency is committed to carrying out its mandate no matter whose ox is gored.