…Agency Warns Against Payments to Local Governments or Individuals
From Moshood Karim
The Edo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (EDSAA) has reaffirmed its exclusive mandate as the only authorised body responsible for regulating and collecting revenue on signage and outdoor advertisements across Edo State.
The declaration comes in response to widespread speculation that local government authorities in the State’s 18 Local Government Areas are still collecting signage and outdoor advertisement taxes.
Addressing journalists in Benin City on Wednesday, the General Manager of EDSAA, Osayanmon Divine-Praise Aiguobasimwin, clarified that the agency, established by law in 2022, has the full backing of the Edo State Government to oversee all matters related to outdoor advertising.
“EDSAA is here to serve you; it is our social service. Everything concerning signage, signboards, business names displayed publicly, and billboards—everything begins and ends with EDSAA,” he asserted.
He further explained that under Edo State law, the agency has been vested with the responsibility of not only regulating signage and outdoor advertising structures but also collecting the requisite taxes.
“So, by signage, we mean any platform, structure, banner, or sign that identifies a business or service. We are fully empowered by the government and have been given full authority to collect taxes for signage and outdoor advertisements within Edo State,” he stated.
Responding to claims that EDSAA had usurped the local governments’ role in revenue collection, Aiguobasimwin dismissed such allegations, affirming that discussions had already taken place with local government authorities to ensure a smooth transition of responsibility.
“It’s an allegation without substance. We just concluded a meeting with local government heads on this issue. The constitution grants States the prerogative to establish laws guiding their operations, and EDSAA is a legal creation of Edo State to regulate signage activities,” he explained.
He stressed the importance of cooperation, stating, “Rather than debating legal technicalities, we prefer to sit as gentlemen and reach a mutual agreement that benefits all parties involved.”
Aiguobasimwin underscored that all individuals and businesses involved in outdoor advertising must now register with EDSAA before operating in the State.
“Registration with EDSAA is mandatory. Once registered, you receive a certificate to practise. Without this certification, you cannot legally operate in Edo State,” he said.
He also highlighted the role of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), which regulates advertisement content at the federal level, while EDSAA regulates the physical advertising structures in Edo State.
“All advertisements nationwide must comply with APCON guidelines regarding content. However, EDSAA ensures that outdoor advertising structures meet State regulations. We are committed to professionalism, innovation, and return on investment for both clients and the government,” he added.
The EDSAA boss issued a stern warning to businesses and individuals, cautioning them against making signage-related payments to local governments or unauthorised persons.
“If you pay money to a local government or any other person apart from EDSAA, you are essentially paying twice because local governments are no longer authorised to collect signage and advertising fees,” he warned.
He further revealed that investigations had uncovered irregularities in previous local government collections, with some funds being diverted to personal accounts rather than government coffers.
“We have seen multiple instances where payments were made into private accounts instead of official State government accounts. This suggests that some local government collections were not properly accounted for,” he said.
To eliminate corruption and revenue leakages, Aiguobasimwin announced that EDSAA would no longer accept cash payments. Instead, payments will only be made through digital channels or the agency’s authorised Point-of-Sale (POS) system.
“Nobody should pay cash to anyone. If you pay in cash, you have not paid EDSAA. We are introducing a digital payment system with customised EDSAA POS devices, which our agents will carry throughout the State,” he explained.
He also revealed that EDSAA is working with a financial institution to ensure widespread availability of these POS terminals.
Calling for public support, Aiguobasimwin assured residents that EDSAA is not just a revenue-collecting body but also a development-oriented agency committed to supporting Edo businesses.
“There are many initiatives we are planning for the benefit of Edo people. We are organising annual advertising conferences and considering ways to support local businesses, such as providing free signage structures for selected enterprises through a raffle draw,” he revealed.
He stressed that the agency would continue to engage with stakeholders to create a fair and transparent system that benefits both businesses and the State.
Assuring the Edo State Government of the agency’s dedication to boosting revenue generation, Aiguobasimwin stated that EDSAA would work tirelessly to meet its revenue targets for 2025.
“I can confidently say that EDSAA will contribute its share to Edo State’s revenue. We have conducted extensive awareness campaigns to inform the public about our existence and responsibilities,” he said.
He also solicited the full support of the State Government to ensure the agency fulfils its mandate effectively.
Aiguobasimwin reiterated that only EDSAA is authorised to regulate and collect signage and outdoor advertising revenue in Edo State. He urged residents and businesses to be vigilant and report any unauthorised collections.
“Do not pay money to anyone who is not an EDSAA agent. If anyone demands cash or provides a personal account for payment, that person is not working for EDSAA,” he warned.
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