The President of the Out-of-Home Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), Sola Akinsiku, has expressed strong support for the recent ‘Stop Work’ directive issued by the Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage (DOAS) under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

Consequently, the order affects ongoing billboard installation activities in Abuja and arises from growing concerns over the uncontrolled erection of structures that violate the approved standards for structural alignment and urban aesthetics.

Association Aligns with Government’s Environmental Goals

Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with MARKETING EDGE, Akinsiku emphasised that the association fully backs all government efforts aimed at sanitizing the environment, particularly within the advertising space.

Also, he reiterated that OAAN stands for professionalism, integrity, and adherence to established regulations. He noted that the unchecked proliferation of billboards in the FCT has become a threat to the city’s visual appeal and orderliness.

Akinsiku Urges Support for Positive OOH Advertising Practices

“This is all about sanitizing the environment,” Akinsiku stated.

“OAAN supports any government initiative that fosters order and promotes the positive side of the Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising industry.

What is happening in Abuja today is no longer enhancing the city’s aesthetics; it is doing the exact opposite.”

Technical Review and Realignment in the Pipeline

Moreover, the  DOAS had earlier announced its intention to carry out a technical review and realignment of all billboard structures in the FCT to ensure compliance with the Development Control Manual.

Akinsiku agreed with this move and stressed that such actions are necessary to prevent further degradation of the city’s landscape and to uphold industry standards.

OAAN Seeks Balanced Enforcement for Registered Members

While calling for understanding, Akinsiku urged the agency to temper justice with mercy in cases involving registered OAAN members who might have inadvertently breached guidelines.

However, he maintained that the rule of law must prevail and that illegal operators should not be shielded under the association’s name.

OAAN Distances Itself from Illegal Operators

“No OAAN member does business illegally. But where some individuals act outside the law and try to hide under our banner, we support government action against them.

We must keep professionalism at the heart of our practice,” he asserted.

Lessons from Past Enforcement Highlight Future Risks

Referencing previous enforcement exercises, Akinsiku recalled similar actions during the tenure of former FCT Minister, Nasir El-Rufai, which resulted in the demolition of numerous illegal billboard structures.

He warned that failure to act now could lead to even greater economic and structural losses in the future.

OAAN Reaffirms Commitment to Clean, Regulated Advertising

Concluding, Akinsiku reaffirmed OAAN’s commitment to supporting a clean, well-regulated advertising landscape.

He called for continuous collaboration between industry stakeholders and government agencies to ensure the sustainable growth of the OOH sector.

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