Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has responded to recent apprehensions, suggesting a resurgence of heavy-handed regulation and arbitrary enforcement in the state’s outdoor advertising sector.

While acknowledging the concerns, the agency sought to reaffirm its commitment to regulatory fairness, industry professionalism, and sustainable growth of outdoor advertising in Lagos.

Refuting claims that it intends to “wield the big stick,” LASAA drew attention to its longstanding practice of fostering dialogue and partnership with industry stakeholders.

Its Managing Director, Fatiu Akiolu, stated: “The era of mutual suspicion is firmly behind us,” adding that the agency “regularly convenes stakeholder fora, maintains cordial relationships with industry players, offers concessions such as discounts on vacant billboard charges and seeks stakeholders’ input before making major policy decisions.”

He clarified that LASAA does not compete with private operators commercially, observing that it manages a limited number of state-approved advertising structures primarily reserved to amplify government programmes.