Delta Govt Moves to Regulate Billboards, Launches ‘Tag Your Boards’ Initiative

The Delta State Government has instructed the Delta State Signage and Advertisement Agency (DESSAA) to strictly enforce existing regulations guiding outdoor advertising across the state.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori issued the directive as part of efforts to clean up the advertising space and ensure operators comply with laid-down standards.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Eze Emu, who explained that the move is in line with laws empowering DESSAA to oversee advertising activities in the state. He added that new measures have been introduced to boost compliance among practitioners.

One of the key initiatives is “Operation Tag Your Boards,” which requires all billboard structures to clearly display the name or logo of their owners or operators.

Advertisers have also been directed to submit their Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) certificates to the Director of Administration at DESSAA. In addition, they must provide a detailed inventory of their billboard locations along with valid approvals from the agency.

The government has given all outdoor advertising practitioners seven days to comply with these directives.

Dr. Emu said the steps are necessary to bring order to the sector and put an end to what he described as a chaotic, unregulated environment. He noted that stricter enforcement would not only enhance the appearance of cities and towns but also help tackle environmental issues caused by the unchecked spread of billboards.

He warned that failure to comply within the deadline would be seen as a violation of government orders and could attract sanctions. Stakeholders were advised to make enquiries through designated phone lines or visit the DESSAA office at Block 11B, Old Secretariat, Summit Road, Asaba.