Lagos govt pledges fair, sustainable outdoor advertising regulation

The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has moved to allay concerns over fears of arbitrary regulation in the state’s outdoor advertising sector, reaffirming its commitment to fairness, professionalism, and sustainable growth. Responding to speculations of a return to “heavy-handed enforcement,” LASAA Managing Director, Prince Fatiu Akiolu, said the era of mutual suspicion between […]

The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has moved to allay concerns over fears of arbitrary regulation in the state’s outdoor advertising sector, reaffirming its commitment to fairness, professionalism, and sustainable growth.

Responding to speculations of a return to “heavy-handed enforcement,” LASAA Managing Director, Prince Fatiu Akiolu, said the era of mutual suspicion between the agency and industry stakeholders was “firmly behind us.” 

He highlighted LASAA’s track record of partnership, noting that the agency regularly engages operators through stakeholder fora, offers concessions such as discounts on vacant billboard charges, and seeks industry input before policy decisions.

Prince Akiolu clarified that LASAA does not compete commercially with private operators but manages a limited number of government-approved structures, mainly for public campaigns and regulatory oversight. He stressed that the agency’s mandate remains focused on public safety, environmental aesthetics, and orderliness in Lagos.

• Chaos in Ring: Lagos set for World-Class boxing showcase
• Israel ignores ceasefire offer, escalates Gaza war

On licensing, he explained that strict criteria ensure only qualified practitioners operate in the market. He further disclosed that a moratorium on new billboard registrations and permits, in place since early 2025, aims to curb oversupply and uphold industry integrity.

LASAA, he added, prioritises a preventive approach by monitoring installations, issuing early warnings, and promoting corrective interventions before resorting to enforcement. Its Health and Safety team also verifies installations against engineering benchmarks to reduce risks to life and property.

Acknowledging challenges such as illegal structures and spacing violations, the MD urged the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) and licensed operators to strengthen self-regulation and collaborate with the agency.

Prince Akiolu assured stakeholders that LASAA’s role is not punitive but supportive, seeking to balance regulation with industry sustainability while safeguarding public interest and preserving Lagos’s visual identity.