The Kogi State Signage and Advertisement Agency has announced its intention to enforce the removal of all billboards erected without approval across the 21 local government areas of the state.
This decision was made following a recent meeting with billboard owners and practitioners in the state, where the general manager, Hon. Richard Osaseyi, outlined a series of new regulations that all practitioners must adhere to.
One of the key regulations introduced by the GM is the requirement for every billboard owner to have a representative in the town where the billboard is located to oversee its maintenance and ensure it is in proper condition.
The removal of poorly placed billboards is also set to take place after the upcoming Sallah celebrations.
Furthermore, the agency has introduced a new system of identification numbers for each billboard, which must be renewed monthly and accompanied by a tax clearance from the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, saying failure to comply with these regulations will result in penalties for the billboard owners.
The consultant for the agency stressed the importance of maintaining a clean environment around billboards and emphasised the need for a coalition of all billboards, their locations, and their practitioners, saying such enforcement actions taken will result in charges being directed towards the property owner.
The agency has set a deadline of June 25, 2025, for all billboard owners and practitioners to come forward for proper documentation and identification of their billboards, adding that failure to do so may result in the enforcement and removal of the billboards at the cost of the owners, with a 25 percent retrieval fee.
The agency restated its commitment to improving the regulation and management of billboards across the state by enforcing the new regulations, ensuring the proper maintenance and placement of billboards, and promoting responsible advertising practices among practitioners.
