The Enugu State government has introduced a strict policy to curb the unlawful posting of posters in the state. In an official statement released by the Enugu State Structures for Signages and Advertisement Agency (ENSSAA), the government announced a ban on the unauthorised display of posters in both public and private spaces. This move is set to tackle the growing concern over the defacing of walls, roads, and other outdoor surfaces across the state.
The new regulation, which came into effect immediately, states that no individual or organization will be allowed to post or display any type of poster without first obtaining written approval from ENSSAA. This includes posters for political campaigns, advertisements, religious events, and any other form of public messaging. The government has warned that those who fail to comply with this directive could face heavy fines, with violators liable to pay as much as fifty million Naira (N50,000,000).
In a statement signed by Frank Aninwike, the General Manager of ENSSAA, the government highlighted the importance of maintaining a clean and organized public space. Aninwike emphasized that this regulation is in line with the ENSSAA Law of 2016, which was created to control and regulate the posting of advertisements and posters in the state.
The statement clarified that political parties, churches, schools, advertisers, marketers, and other stakeholders must all seek prior approval from ENSSAA before displaying any form of poster in public or private areas. This includes walls, buildings, highways, and any other outdoor surfaces within Enugu State.
The ban comes as a response to concerns over the environmental impact of unapproved poster displays. The constant posting of advertisements and political messages has led to the defacement of public spaces, creating a cluttered and chaotic environment in many areas. Posters, especially those used during political campaigns, have been blamed for making streets look untidy and unwelcoming.
In recent years, Enugu has witnessed a growing number of political campaigns and business advertisements that have not been properly regulated. Many of these posters are often hastily pasted on walls, light poles, and other public structures without any consideration for the aesthetic or environmental impact. The practice has led to complaints from residents and concerns from environmental groups who argue that the uncontrolled display of posters contributes to urban decay and littering.
The introduction of this new policy seeks to address these issues and promote a cleaner, more organized environment within the state. The Enugu State government believes that with proper regulation, the display of posters can be managed in a way that respects public spaces and contributes to the overall aesthetic of the city.
Frank Aninwike also explained that the fine of up to N50 million will serve as a deterrent for anyone who seeks to violate the law. He urged all concerned parties to comply with the new directive and warned that the agency would no longer tolerate any form of poster display without approval.
“The purpose of this policy is not to hinder free expression, but to regulate the manner in which posters are displayed in order to maintain the beauty of our environment and keep our public spaces clean,” Aninwike said. “We are committed to enforcing this law and will take necessary action against any individual or organization found violating it.”
This decision has sparked mixed reactions from different quarters. While some citizens and environmental groups have welcomed the move, praising it as a much-needed step to improve the state’s public spaces, others have raised concerns about the potential impact on political campaigns and small businesses. Critics argue that the hefty fine may be too severe for individuals or organizations that might inadvertently violate the law, particularly during election periods when posters are commonly used for political messaging.
However, government officials have reassured the public that the primary goal of the regulation is to create a more organized and aesthetically pleasing environment, not to stifle freedom of speech or hinder business operations. The government has promised that the approval process will be simple and transparent, and that there will be clear guidelines for those seeking permission to display posters.
The introduction of this law is also seen as part of the state government’s broader efforts to modernize and improve public infrastructure. In recent years, Enugu State has made significant strides in upgrading its urban spaces, improving road networks, and enhancing public facilities. The government believes that regulating the display of posters is another important step in this modernization process.
The ENSSAA Law of 2016, which empowers the agency to regulate the posting of posters and advertisements, has been in place for several years, but its enforcement has been lax. The new directive, along with the introduction of the heavy fines, is expected to strengthen enforcement and ensure that the law is followed more rigorously.
Local business owners and political candidates are now faced with the task of adjusting to this new regulation. While some businesses rely on posters to advertise their products and services, others in the political sphere have been known to use posters extensively during election seasons to promote their candidates. It remains to be seen how this new policy will affect upcoming elections and whether the fine will deter certain groups from posting unauthorized materials.
