KWASAA explains Geri Alimi billboard enforcement, denies political targeting
The Kwara State Signage and Advertisement Agency (KWASAA) has explained its recent enforcement action on a billboard structure at the Geri Alimi Underpass in Ilorin, denying allegations that the exercise was politically motivated or targeted at any political party or candidate.
The Agency, in a statement issued on Thursday, said the enforcement was based on regulatory compliance issues relating to the approval status of the billboard structure and outstanding obligations owed to the Agency by its operator.
KWASAA said a trending video had misrepresented the circumstances surrounding the enforcement, stressing that its regulatory activities were not influenced by the political affiliation of advertisers.
According to the Agency, where a political party is directly responsible for a violation, it formally communicates with the party through official channels.
It cited the Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying the Agency had previously written to the party and invited its representatives for discussions following an incident involving damage to government infrastructure.
KWASAA consequently urged the PDP and Engr. Kawu to seek clarification from the operator from whom the advertising space was rented.
The Agency explained that payment for an advertising space does not automatically mean that the billboard structure itself has the required approvals or that the operator has fulfilled all outstanding regulatory obligations.
KWASAA also raised three questions for the relevant parties to clarify, including whether the structure on which the banner was mounted existed at the location a week before the enforcement, whether the operator had settled outstanding obligations following enforcement action on its other billboards four months earlier, and who authorised the installation of the iron framework on the bridge.
The Agency expressed particular concern over the safety implications of the structure, stating that the iron framework was installed without its approval or supervision.
It warned that improperly installed structures could pose serious risks to road users, stressing that the safety of residents and protection of public infrastructure remained non-negotiable.
KWASAA reiterated its commitment to enforcing signage and advertisement regulations fairly and consistently, irrespective of the political affiliation of advertisers.
The Agency advised political parties, candidates and other advertisers to verify the approval status of advertising structures and the regulatory standing of operators before making payments or installing advertising materials.
It said such verification would help prevent avoidable disputes and disruptions arising from enforcement actions.
KWASAA further assured members of the public and stakeholders that it remained open to enquiries, requests and complaints at its office on the first floor of the Ministry of Communications in Ilorin.
