Reaffirms commitment to business rights
Officials of the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) have moved swiftly to quell escalating tensions over the destruction of legitimate advertising infrastructure in the Lekki area of the state.

They have arrested some individuals responsible for the “audacious removal and wilful destruction” of street lamp pole advertisements along Admiralty Way, a key thoroughfare.

In a statement, at the weekend, the Head of Corporate Communications and Strategy at LASAA, Atinuke da-Silva-Osadjere, said: “In this action, LASAA demonstrates its commitment to protecting business rights and maintaining order in the state’s advertising sphere.

“The agency’s swift response aims to deter future acts of vandalism and ensure that legitimate businesses can operate without fear of illegal interference. By addressing these incidents promptly, LASAA reinforces its role in safeguarding the rights of advertisers and maintaining a safe and regulated environment for outdoor advertising. The law will take its course.”

“This stance is crucial for fostering investors’ confidence in Lagos State, a city increasingly reliant on private sector dynamism. We recognise the vital role that outdoor advertising plays in promoting local businesses and enhancing community engagement.”

Meanwhile, the agency’s actions come in the wake of vehement objections from the Lekki Peninsula Residents Association (LERA), which had reportedly taken matters into its own hands, citing aesthetic concerns.

The incident, which saw legally placed advertisements torn down, has ignited a broader debate about the balance between community aesthetics and commercial rights in the fast-growing Lagos economy.