LASAA tackles billboard safety concerns in Abati barracks

The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has swiftly responded to pressing concerns raised by residents of Surulere, including military officers and their families at Abati Barracks, over a recurring safety hazard posed by a giant billboard that has collapsed twice, resulting in injuries and damage to property.

Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, LASAA firmly disassociates itself from any action that could jeopardize lives or property. The agency emphasised that only structurally sound and compliant billboards will be permitted across Lagos, as it remains steadfast in enforcing strict safety standards to prevent any potential harm or destruction.

The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the structural integrity and safety of all advertising structures across Lagos State. For the avoidance of doubt, LASAA clarifies that the billboard within Abati Barracks is not registered with the agency and is therefore classified as illegal.

Prior to this incident, LASAA had consistently engaged with relevant authorities to regulate advertising structures within military, police, and air force formations in Lagos. However, the agency’s efforts were hindered by a lack of necessary support, limiting its ability to enforce compliance within these restricted zones. They are seen acting outside their purview. It is, however, important to allow LASAA perform its mandate without any fear or intimidation in the State to avert issues of falling advertisement structures and illegalities in these formations.

The owner of the billboard identified as Radius Resources Limited has been sanctioned by LASAA and suspended since October 24, 2024 due to unethical practice, consequently, has no right to reinstall the fallen billboard.

The Agency has equally issued a stop-work order to the company to ensure that accident does not recur at the location and has written to the management of the Army informing them of the development and the necessity to halt all constructions at the site for re-assessment.

LASAA acknowledges the community’s alarm regarding the situation that has happened without adherence to LASAA’s regulations as the oversight raises significant concerns for public safety.

The Managing Director of LASAA, Fatiu Akiolu stated that: “We strongly urge all entities, the outdoor advertising practitioners, including military, airforce, and police formations, to collaborate with LASAA and comply with existing laws and regulations governing billboard installations.”

“We must work together to ensure that advertising practices in Lagos are safe, respectful, and sustainable, while also prioritizing the safety of lives and property of Lagos’ residents as well as visitors’.” Similarly, he stated that: “The safety of our residents is our top priority, and we take incidents like this very seriously.”

“We are dedicated to enforcing standards that protect the public from potential hazards associated with faulty or improperly installed billboards,” he maintained.

LASAA encourages the public, including community members and relevant uniformed personnel to report any unsafe billboard installations or violations of our regulations. By working in partnership, we can enhance safety and maintain the aesthetic integrity of our vibrant city, Lagos.