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The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has addressed recent criticisms about its enforcement actions against signage at Halcyon Court, located on Adeniyi Jones Avenue in Ikeja, Lagos.
In a statement issued by Mr. Temitope Akande, Head of Corporate Communication and Strategy, LASAA on Wednesday, clarified its position following a critical article published by a prominent newspaper. The article had raised concerns about the removal of signage by LASAA officials.
Mr. Akande explained that the signage in question was not registered during a recent amnesty program, which allowed businesses to regularize their advertising structures without facing penalties. The program was designed to encourage compliance with LASAA’s regulations, but the developers of Halcyon Court failed to take advantage of this opportunity, leading to their non-compliance with Section 412 of the LASAA Enabling Law.
“First and foremost, we want to emphasize our commitment to fairness and due process in all enforcement actions,” Akande said. “LASAA operates under stringent guidelines to ensure adherence to the state’s outdoor advertising regulations. These regulations are in place to maintain a safe and aesthetically pleasing environment for both residents and businesses.”
Despite the leniency offered by the amnesty program, the developers of Halcyon Court did not register their signage, leaving some of it unregistered and thus non-compliant with LASAA’s regulations. Akande also revealed that investigations showed the temporary signs were deliberately underdeclared, an attempt to circumvent the Agency’s established processes.
Undeclared or underdeclared signage is deemed illegal as it avoids the necessary assessment and approval processes intended to ensure public safety and regulatory compliance.
In response to these violations, LASAA issued a fine notice to Halcyon Court, which remained unpaid until enforcement actions were initiated. This action refutes claims that Halcyon Court was subjected to enforcement without prior notice, as the organization had been notified of its infractions before enforcement commenced.
