The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency has apprehended officials of the Lekki Estates Residents Association for allegedly vandalising government-approved outdoor advertisements in the Lekki Phase One area of Lagos State.
TheNigerian Metro learnt that on Friday night, officials defaced streetlamp pole advertisements with red paint and removed A-frame advertisements along the Admiralty Way.
In a video seen by our correspondent on Wednesday, the officials were seen carrying out the operation with a branded patrol van.
Speaking to our correspondent, an official of the LASAA Corporate Communications and Strategy Department who identified himself simply as Adetokunbo said the officials were caught after an eyewitness report.
“After an eyewitness reported, we moved there and found some of them damaging the structures and impounding them. The issue is that they did not have any right to do that. That is why we are taking the matter up,” he added.
Meanwhile, the agency, in a statement, described the development as a violation by the association, noting that it had taken decisive action on the issue.
The agency, in the statement seen on Tuesday, stated that the apprehended officials would be made to face the law.
“The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency has taken decisive action on the recent issue concerning the violation by members of the Lekki Peninsula Residents Association regarding the audacious removal and wilful destruction of legally placed streetlamp pole advertisements on the stretch of Admiralty Way in the area.
“The agency in a swift move has apprehended individuals who perpetrated the act. Consequently, the law will take its course.
“We wish to assure members of the public of LASAA’s ongoing dedication to protecting the rights of businesses and ensuring that all advertising activities comply with established regulations. We recognise the vital role that outdoor advertising plays in promoting local businesses and enhancing community engagement,” the statement read.
The agency also reaffirmed its vigilance in preventing unauthorized activities that undermine advertising standards in the state, while it also warned that further legal action would be taken against any individuals or groups who attempt to disrupt legitimate advertising operations.
When contacted, the chairperson of the Lekki Phase 1 Residents Association, Shareefah Andu, declined comment on the development.
“I don’t have any reaction to it,” she said.
However, the Chairman, Lekki Estates Resident Stakeholders Association, Sulyman Bello, said efforts were ongoing to resolve the matter.
He said, “It should not have happened in the first place but it must have happened on account of some misunderstanding. We are working on resolving it.”
