The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has publicly condemned the legality of a billboard structure located within the Abati Barracks in Surulere, Lagos, citing two instances of collapse that resulted in both injuries and property damage. The agency has identified Radius Resources Limited as the owner of the billboard and has imposed sanctions against the company for operating an illegal structure. LASAA’s Managing Director, Fatiu Akiolu, underscored the agency’s dedication to ensuring the safety of billboards across the state and called for cooperation from all stakeholders, including advertising practitioners and security agencies, to adhere to established regulations governing billboard installations. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by LASAA in regulating advertising structures within military, police, and air force formations.
The billboard in question, according to LASAA’s statement, lacks proper registration with the agency, rendering its existence illegal. LASAA’s attempts to regulate advertising within these secure areas have often met with resistance, with some formations perceiving the agency’s involvement as overstepping its boundaries. However, LASAA asserts the importance of its regulatory mandate to prevent the erection of hazardous and illegal structures, crucial for public safety. The agency maintains that its efforts are essential to avert potential dangers associated with poorly constructed or inappropriately installed billboards. This incident underscores the need for clear communication and cooperation between LASAA and security formations to ensure public safety.
In response to the billboard collapses and the company’s unethical practices, LASAA took decisive action by suspending Radius Resources Limited on October 24, 2024. A stop-work order was also issued to prevent any further construction or activity related to the billboard. LASAA also formally notified the Nigerian Army about the situation, requesting a halt to all construction at the site pending a thorough reassessment of the structure’s safety and compliance with regulations. This proactive approach demonstrates LASAA’s commitment to enforcing standards and holding responsible parties accountable for unsafe practices.
The repeated collapse of the billboard, causing injuries and property damage, underlines the potential dangers posed by unregulated advertising structures. LASAA’s Managing Director, Fatiu Akiolu, emphasized the agency’s primary concern for the safety of Lagos residents, stating that incidents like these are treated with utmost seriousness. The agency reiterated its commitment to upholding stringent standards designed to protect the public from hazards associated with faulty billboard installations. This commitment reflects LASAA’s role in safeguarding the public interest and ensuring a safe environment for all residents.
LASAA has appealed to the public, including residents and security personnel within these formations, to report any billboards that appear unsafe or violate existing regulations. The agency has pledged to act swiftly on such reports, aiming to maintain safety and order within the outdoor advertising landscape of Lagos State. This call for public participation emphasizes the collective responsibility for safety and encourages vigilance in identifying potential hazards. By actively involving the community, LASAA aims to create a more robust and effective system for monitoring and regulating outdoor advertising structures.
In its concluding remarks, LASAA, the body responsible for overseeing signage and outdoor advertising in Lagos, reaffirmed its unwavering stance against any installations that pose a risk to life and property. The agency’s message underscores the importance of compliance with regulations and the prioritization of public safety above all else. This incident serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of neglecting safety standards and reinforces LASAA’s dedication to enforcing these standards throughout the state. Through proactive measures and community engagement, LASAA aims to create a safer and more visually appealing environment for all residents of Lagos.
