Association Urges NASS To Fast-track Establishment Of Outdoor Advertisement, Signage Bill 

The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS has called on the National Assembly to fast-track the process of establishing the Outdoor Advertisement and Signage as an Agency to institutionalized its mode of operation.

The Vice President of NANS, Mr Victor Ezanagu, who made the call at a news conference in Abuja, said that the establishment of the agency by the National Assembly would free its operation from external interference.

He dismissed the called for the disbandment of the Federal Capital Territory Administration Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage, DOAS, as such would return the FCT to the “days of unkempt environment.”

He said that DOAS served as platform of engaging young people who are fresh graduate and unemployed knowing fully well that majority of the activities of the department revolve intellectual contributions and ability of young people.

According to him ” NANS has taken it union herself to embark on fact finding mission to dissect the activities of FCTA Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage thereby aiding our understanding on misconceptions and grievances from different quarters beyond what is reported on social media.”

He called on mischievous people who are causing unrest within the FCT to put an end to their ugly acts, since the issue was presently before National Assembly for thorough action as We crave for a speedy process in the betterment of Nigerian society.

” It has come to our notice issues revolving FCTA Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage and this has attracted the attention of every discerning Nigerians of which the students populace are not excluded.

” It is on record that the DOAS is saddled with the responsibility to control, curb indecent activities and poor procedures and regulate adverts and signage practices in Abuja and its six Area Councils.

“Aside from the professional practices of DOAS, it is pivotal to state that this initiative has helped in generating meaningful revenue in FCT since establishment and this has made the body a key source of generating funds for the government in the whole of Abuja,” he noted.

The students leader, therefore, appealed to every warring parties to sheath swords and embrace peace in the interest of a greater Nigeria.

Ezanagu said that NANS had reliably gather that all signage and billboard payments are made into the TSA through the REMITA platform, DOAS does not collect cash from clients.

” Considering the benefits being enjoyed by Nigerians under DOAS, We perceive it is inhumane and maligning to call for this disbandment of such body, as such would return the FCTA to the days’ unkempt environment.

” It will also lead to the proliferation and unprofessional activities of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage and further endangers an average Nigerian doing business by falling prey into hands of underworld agents.” he added.

Confidence Okwuchi