Benjamin Omoike I November 10, 2016
Port Harcourt – In a bid to restore sanity, order and professionalism to the outdoor landscape, the Rivers State Signage and Advertisement Agency (RISAA) has advised outdoor practitioners and owners of billboard and signage structures in the state to register with the Agency on or before November 30, 2016.
Established by an enactment of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the Rivers State Signage and Advertisement Agency is empowered to regulate and control outdoor structures for the display of Signage, Hoarding and Advertisement in Rivers State.
It issues Licenses and Permits for the construction and placement of outdoor hoarding, advertisement billboards and signage structures in any part of the State, control the number, size and locations of these structures.
According to the Acting Managing Director of RISAA, Chukwudi Dimkpa, every outdoor Structure owned by an operator (Corporate or non-corporate entity) must be registered by its owner. Such owner shall provide his registration number as a reference with application for a permit.
He further said any unregistered structure is classified as illegal and shall be removed after a notice on the structure and for a period not exceeding in the first instance a period of 15 days and afterwards 15 days a total of 30 days in all.
Mr. Dimkpa also added that by the provisions of the law establishing the Agency, it is unlawful for any person or group to erect, construct, enlarge or structurally modify any outdoor structure or operate any structure for signage development without being registered by the Agency.
Owners and operators of existing structures shall obtain, complete and submit the prescribed registration form with the Agency and apply for the permit.
He warned that the cost of removing such structures shall be borne by the offending outdoor operator, and the dismantled offending structure impounded until, all cost incurred by the Agency are paid up, including a demurrage that begins to count five working days after the structure is removed by the Agency.
Meanwhile, sectorial practitioners, Industry watchers and Stakeholders have applauded this initiative by the Agency. They believe this will ensure standards and compliment state government effort with urban renewal and civic beatification.
Observers also hope RISSA will redress the existing practices of billboard clutter, illegal structures, fallen and dilapidated boards and other unwholesome activities leading to poor civic environment.
