Assembly welcomes bill on outdoor advertising

The Enugu State House of Assembly has welcomed a bill for the regulation of outdoor structures for the display of signage, hoarding and advertisement in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bill is an executive bill sponsored by the Leader of the assembly, Mr Ikechukwu Ezugwu.

Ezugwu said that the bill would block all the loopholes in revenue collection and generation, hence the need to use professionals to achieve an improved revenue base.

He explained that the bill would allow for a proper pattern, appropriate location and colours to be used for adverts, depending on their content, information and purpose which would add aesthetics to the environment.

The members of the assembly while lending their opinions on the bill said it would provide new resources for the efficient administration of the state in the face of the current economic realities facing the country at large.

Mr Iloabuchi Aniagu (PDP-Nkanu West) while contributing to the bill, however, reminded the members that it tended to take away an aspect of the functions of the local government.

The Speaker of the assembly, Mr Edward Ubosi, directed the committees on local government, environment, capital territory, information and judiciary to conduct a public hearing on the bill.

The assembly adjourned till Thursday.