Ola Akinwunmi
The Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OYSAA) has initiated a compulsory revalidation exercise for all third-party outdoor advertising practitioners, marking a major push to digitize the sector and tighten regulatory oversight.
The move, announced Thursday by OYSAA Director-General Oludolapo Esho, mandates practitioners to update their credentials or face immediate deregistration and removal of non-compliant billboards.
In a statement released by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, Esho emphasized that the exercise aims to create a centralized, digitalized database of billboards and signages across the state. “This revalidation is critical to enhancing transparency, accountability, and service delivery,” Esho stated, framing it as part of OYSAA’s broader strategy to migrate operations to an agency-approved digital platform.
Practitioners have been directed to appear in person at the OYSAA office in Ibadan to submit updated company credentials, including location approvals and billboard tagging details. Esho warned that the process is non-negotiable within the stipulated timeframe, stressing, “Failure to comply will result in the immediate deregistration of billboard structures and their removal by the agency—no exceptions.” The crackdown reveals the state’s effort to curb unregulated outdoor advertising, which has long posed challenges for urban planning and revenue collection.
By digitizing records, OYSAA seeks to streamline oversight, reduce disputes over ad placements, and ensure practitioners adhere to zoning and safety regulations. Esho commended Governor Seyi Makinde for fostering a business-friendly environment, noting that the revalidation aligns with the administration’s commitment to organized, cooperative commercial practices. “This exercise balances regulation with support for legitimate businesses,” he added, urging full cooperation from stakeholders. Industry players have expressed mixed reactions, with some praising the move for modernizing the sector, while others cite logistical concerns over the in-person requirement.
However, OYSAA remains firm, signaling stricter enforcement ahead as Oyo positions itself as a model for regulated outdoor advertising in Nigeria. The deadline for compliance remains undisclosed, but the agency insists practitioners act swiftly to avoid penalties. As the digital overhaul unfolds, all eyes are on how this mandate will reshape the landscape of outdoor advertising—and accountability—in Oyo State.
