…pleads for rates review

THE Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) has appointed Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State as its patron. OAAN, however, appealed to the state government to further create an enabling business environment for its members to operate through a review of the high tariffs being charged its members by the Lagos State Advertisement Signage agency (LASAA). The association, which intimated the governor of their demand during a courtesy visit to his office, also enjoined Ambode to constitute a board for Lagos State Signage and Advertisement agency (LASAA).

Led by its president, Mr. Babatunde Adedoyin, the body expressed the association’s delight in conferring the prestigious title of the Patron of the association on the governor, noting that such appointment was part of its tradition.

According to him, “Your Excellency, by our tradition, the governor of Lagos State occupies the exalted position of the patron of our association and our own dear Jagaban, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains our key patron by virtue of the love showed us during his administration. To this end, on behalf of all members of OAAN, I would like to invite you to please accept our invitation to become our Patron and be decorated accordingly”.

Adedoyin who led a six-man delegation appealed to the state government to provide OAAN members with enabling business environment as OAAN and members had always supported the state in various ways in its efforts to ensure that the momentum of growth, prosperity and excellence were sustained.

He stated that the body could do more than it was currently doing, but would need the partnership and assistance of the governor in ensuring that he took a closer look at the current situation in the state.

Adedoyin stated that the high rates regime imposed on members during the tenure of former managing Director of LASAA, Mr. Makanjuola Alabi was inimical to business, noting that the rate increase had sent some its members out of business. He, however, placed on record efforts by the current Secretary to the State Government Mr. Tunji Bello during his tenure as LASAA helmsman. He expressed appreciation to Bello for his listening ears as LASAA boss.

He lamented that over 70% of members’ billboards in the state were still vacant, as most advertisers have abandoned the medium by diverting funds to other advertising media all because of high tariffs. Notwithstanding the fact that business had dwindled for practitioners, Adedoyin revealed that members were still being forced to pay a 50% surcharge on vacant boards that were not even generating any form of revenue.

He appealed to the state government to set up a board for LASAA like any other parastatal of the state government so that an avenue for appeal and negotiation could be created for stakeholders in the business.