● Ferdy Agu
The Enugu State Government has placed a ban on the indiscriminate pasting of posters on public and private properties without prior approval.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Enugu State Structures for Signages and Advertisement Agency (ENSSAA) declared it unlawful to display posters on any outdoor surface within the state without obtaining written authorization from the agency.
Signed by the agency’s General Manager, Frank Aninwike, the statement warned that violators would face severe penalties, including fines of up to N50 million.
“This is to inform all political parties, churches, schools, printers, advertisers, marketers, producers, and the general public that henceforth, no person or entity should post or display any poster on public or private structures, buildings, walls, highways, or any outdoor surface within Enugu State without first obtaining the written approval of the Enugu State Structures for Signages and Advertisement Agency (ENSSAA),” the statement read.
Citing relevant sections of the ENSSAA Law, 2016, the agency emphasized its authority to regulate outdoor advertising and prevent defacement. “Failure to comply with this directive amounts to a violation of Section 4(1,g), Section 33, and Section 34(4,9) of the ENSSAA Law, 2016,” it added.
Reacting to the development, a civil society activist, Chuka Okafor, commended the move, stating, “This policy is necessary to maintain the aesthetic appeal of Enugu and prevent the indiscriminate defacing of public spaces.”
Similarly, a local business owner, Ifeoma Nweke, expressed mixed feelings, noting, “While it is important to regulate poster placement, the government should also create designated spaces for small businesses and community events to advertise legally.” GMTNewsng
