Akinsiku hails bill to professionalize Nigeria’s OOH media sector
By Felicia Nwosu
Sola Akinsiku, President of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) and Managing Director of Kok Visibility, has expressed optimism about the positive transformation the proposed Chartered Out-of-Home Media Practitioners of Nigeria Bill will bring to the advertising industry.
Speaking after the bill sponsored by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe,which recently passed its second reading in the Senate, the out-of-home professional described it as a long-awaited step towards professionalism and order in the sector. The industry leader said he remains confident that the law, once enacted, will transform the industry and safeguard its future.
“This bill represents hope for the industry. It is poised to eliminate quackery and unprofessional practices while ensuring that practitioners adhere to higher standards,” Akinsiku stated during an exclusive interview with MARKETING EDGE.
According to him, proposed legislation seeks to establish a regulatory body that will standardize practices, improve environmental safety, and professionalize the out-of-home advertising sector, which has operated for nearly a century without structured oversight.
He emphasized that the bill’s potential to harmonize practices and enforce engineering and environmental standards will usher in an era of orderliness and credibility for the sector. The OAAN leader noted that, with broad industry support and a framework aimed at advancing professionalism, the bill has been widely viewed as a turning point for out-of-home media in Nigeria.
“Out-of-home media is more than erecting structures. It involves a mix of engineering, environmental impact assessments, and adherence to global best practices. This law will ensure that every aspect of the practice is governed professionally.”
He highlighted the enthusiastic support the bill has received from industry stakeholders, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and other allied bodies, as an indication of its significance. The MD of KOK Visibility believes the bill will create a framework for practitioners to thrive while contributing to the economy and the aesthetics of urban and rural areas.
Addressing the recent public hearing on the bill, he commended the turnout and the clarity of discussions, noting that any lingering opposition likely stems from a lack of understanding.
“The hearing made it clear that this bill is in the best interest of all practitioners. It aligns with the model of professional bodies like ICAN and ANAN, focusing on self-regulation and ethical practice. Abaribe, the bill’s sponsor, has championed its importance, citing its potential to enhance professionalism and address safety concerns associated with poorly maintained media structures.
The legislation, he argued, will improve environmental sustainability and ensure the sector aligns with global standards.
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