OOH advertising regulation gets a boost as OAAN President backs FCTA’s billboard crackdown in Abuja, pushing for professionalism and compliance

OOH advertising regulation has gained renewed momentum as the Out-of-Home Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) throws its full support behind the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s (FCTA) recent enforcement drive in Abuja.

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The FCTA’s Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage (DOAS) issued a ‘Stop Work’ order, halting ongoing billboard installations that violate approved standards. The directive targets unregulated structures that compromise urban aesthetics and structural safety.

Speaking in an exclusive with MARKETING EDGE, OAAN President, Sola Akinsiku, said the association stands solidly with the FCTA’s action.

“This is all about sanitizing the environment. OAAN supports any government initiative that fosters order and promotes the positive side of the Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising industry,” Akinsiku said.

Upholding Professionalism in Outdoor Advertising

Akinsiku emphasized that OAAN is committed to professionalism, integrity, and regulatory compliance.

He noted that the unchecked spread of billboard structures in Abuja has negatively impacted the city’s visual order.

The DOAS, as part of its next steps, is preparing for a technical review and realignment of all billboard structures to ensure alignment with the Development Control Manual.

Akinsiku welcomed this move, saying it was essential to preserving the capital’s aesthetic integrity.

Balanced Enforcement and Accountability

While urging DOAS to show leniency toward registered OAAN members who may have inadvertently violated guidelines, Akinsiku stressed the importance of enforcing the rule of law.

“No OAAN member does business illegally. But where some individuals act outside the law and try to hide under our banner, we support government action against them,” he said.

He also recalled similar enforcement efforts during former FCT Minister Nasir El-Rufai’s tenure, warning that failing to act now could lead to larger economic and structural setbacks.

Toward a Clean and Regulated OOH Sector

Reaffirming the association’s stance, Akinsiku called for ongoing collaboration between government and industry stakeholders to ensure the sustainable development of the Out-of-Home advertising sector.

“We must keep professionalism at the heart of our practice,” he added.

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The OAAN’s support underscores a broader shift toward regulated, visually harmonious cityscapes, and sets the tone for stricter OOH advertising regulation nationwide.

Source: Read more at theheute.com.ng