NANS appeals to Wike to implement court orders on outdoor advertising in FCT

2026-03-03 - 18:57

By Adesina Wahab The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has called on the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, to implement court orders and restore the role of Area Councils regarding the administration of outdoor advertising in the territory. The association noted that the continued operation of Department of Outdoor Advertising and Signage, DOAS, has taken over the role and constitutional duty of Area Councils in the FCT. In a statement by Comrade Anzaku Shedrack Ovye, the Secretary-General of NANS, the body opined that the creation of DOAS by a previous administration conflicted with constitutionally recognised functions of area councils. “NANS expresses serious concern that the existence and activities of this department undermine the constitutional autonomy of Local Governments, particularly in light of the recent directives and legal clarifications affirming Local Government autonomy under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as upheld by the Supreme Court of Nigeria. The continued operation of DOAS, despite subsisting court pronouncements, raises questions of compliance with judicial authority and adherence to the rule of law. “Our findings indicate that the situation has created overlapping mandates and institutional conflicts between Area Council officials and DOAS within the FCTA. This overlap has allegedly resulted in regulatory confusion, administrative rivalry, and operational tension within the outdoor advertising sector in the FCT. “Furthermore, NANS has received complaints suggesting potential conflicts of interest, where certain officials within DOAS allegedly function both as regulators and as private operators in the outdoor advertising industry. We are aware that relevant oversight bodies, including the Code of Conduct Bureau, are reportedly examining related concerns. Such allegations, if substantiated, would represent a serious breach of public service ethics and transparency standards. “We are also deeply concerned about reports of intimidation of young entrepreneurs, including student members engaged in legitimate outdoor advertising businesses, who claim to have faced undue pressure for raising concerns about irregularities within the system. The current structure, as alleged, has discouraged youth participation and stifled opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs in the FCT. “In light of the foregoing, NANS respectfully calls on the Honourable Minister to: “Review and implement all subsisting court orders relating to the administration of outdoor advertising within the FCT and take appropriate steps to resolve any structural irregularities. “Initiate a transparent stakeholder engagement process involving the National Assembly, representatives of the six Area Councils, relevant professional advertising bodies, and other critical stakeholders to establish a legally compliant and professionally regulated framework for outdoor advertising in the FCT. “Ensure that any identified conflicts of interest within the system are thoroughly investigated and addressed in accordance with public service rules and existing laws, including appropriate disciplinary or legal actions where necessary. “NANS reiterates its commitment to the rule of law, institutional accountability, youth empowerment, and sustainable development within the Federal Capital Territory. We remain supportive of progressive reforms aimed at transforming the FCT and strengthening governance structures for the benefit of residents and stakeholders. “We trust that the Honourable Minister will give this matter the urgent attention it deserves in the interest of justice, transparency, and good governance,” NANS stated.