Billboard vandals arrested in Lagos

Officials of the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) have arrested individuals accused of vandalising billboards in the Lekki area of Lagos State.

In a statement, Atinuke da-Silva-Osadjere, LASAA’s Head of Corporate Communications and Strategy, described the arrests as part of efforts to curb the “Deliberate removal and destruction” of legally placed street lamp pole advertisements along Admiralty Way, a major thoroughfare in Lagos.

She said the suspects would face legal action, stating, “The law will take its course.”

The crackdown follows strong objections from the Lekki Peninsula Residents Association (LERA), which reportedly took independent action to remove the advertisements due to aesthetic concerns.

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The incident has sparked a wider debate on balancing community aesthetics with commercial rights in Lagos’ rapidly growing economy.

LASAA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting businesses while ensuring compliance with outdoor advertising regulations.

“We recognise the crucial role of outdoor advertising in promoting local businesses and fostering community engagement,” da-Silva-Osadjere said.

To prevent future conflicts, the agency is advocating for a “Collaborative approach” with community organisations, emphasizing dialogue and mutual understanding.

“Our goal is to regulate, not just penalise. We encourage constructive engagement with stakeholders to maintain order in the advertising sector,” she added.

LASAA has urged the public to direct inquiries to its corporate communications and strategy department for further clarification on signage regulations.