High charges by LASG, outdoor advertisers cry out

Outdoor advertisers under the auspices of  The Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) on Thursday called for a downward review of rates and charges imposed by the Lagos State Government to ease operation in the state.

Mr Tunde Adedoyin, the OAAN’s President, made the call when he led the Executives of the association on a courtesy visit to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State at the Lagos House, Ikeja.

Adedoyin said that in spite of several calls for the review of the charges and rate, there was no positive response,adding that companies in the outdoor advertising business, had been struggling to survive.

He said that more than 70 per cent of bill boards in the state, were vacant due to high charges as advertisers had been patronizing other alternatives.

‘’In addition, we are currently forced to a 50 per cent surcharge on vacant boards that are not even generating any form of revenue for us.

‘’The tax we pay in addition to other taxes- personal income tax, vat, company tax, educational tax and others, are higher than those paid by our fellow outdoor advertising practitioners in the U.S, UK and some African countries.

‘’The State stands to enjoy increased revenue from us and this can be done if these high rates are reviewed downward, so that advertisers are encouraged to patronise us,’’ he said.

He said the association would strive to contribute its quota to the development and progress of the state.

Responding, Ambode who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, promised that the requests and complaints of OAAN ,would be looked into.

‘’All the issues you have raised will be looked into, now that we have a new Managing Director for the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA), Mr Mobolaji Sanusi.

‘’We are partners in progress, with a collective goal of driving economic growth, as such this government will ensure that you have a business-friendly environment to thrive,’’ he said.