“No Permit, No Billboard!” Oyo Government Demolishes Over 18 Illegal Advert Structures in Major Crackdown

OYO STATE GOVERNMENT TAKES ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST OVER 18 NON-COMPLIANT BILLBOARDS

The Oyo State Government, through the Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OYSAA), has commenced intensified enforcement of billboard and outdoor advertising regulations across major billboard corridors in the state.
During the enforcement operation conducted on Friday, 24 July 2026, government enforcement officials took regulatory action against more than 18 billboard structures found to be operating without full compliance with the applicable approval, registration, permit, and payment requirements.
The exercise forms part of the state government’s ongoing commitment to restore order within the outdoor advertising industry, improve public safety, protect compliant practitioners, and ensure that all operators fulfil their statutory obligations.
Statement of Facts
The affected billboard structures were identified during compliance verification and inspection exercises carried out by OYSAA.
The enforcement action followed previous demand notices, compliance communications, stakeholder engagements, and opportunities given to affected billboard owners and advertising practitioners to regularise their operations.
The violations identified included:
* Failure to pay assessed billboard and advertisement fees.
* Operation without valid OYSAA permits.
* Display of advertisements on unregistered structures.
* Continued use of structures previously marked for compliance.
* Erection or operation of billboard structures without the required approval.
* Erection of billboard structures resting on electricity poles, posing a severe environmental hazard and risk to public safety.
* Failure to conduct and submit the mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report.
* Failure to meet applicable structural, safety, and environmental standards.
* Placement of advertising structures in unauthorised or restricted locations.
The enforcement exercise was directed only at billboard structures found to be non-compliant.
Billboard owners, practitioners, and organisations with valid permits, current approvals, and verified evidence of payment were not affected.
Immediate Action Taken
During the operation on Friday, 24 July 2026, enforcement actions were carried out on more than 18 non-compliant billboard structures across identified corridors.
Depending on the nature of each violation, the actions taken included:
* Inspection and verification of billboard approval and payment records.
* Marking and sealing of non-compliant structures.
* Bringing down and complete removal of structures resting on electricity poles due to the severe environmental hazards they present and the absence of requisite EIA reports.
* Removal or deactivation of other unauthorised advertising displays.
* Documentation of affected structures for further regulatory action.
* Issuance of final compliance directives where applicable.
* Commencement of processes for the recovery of outstanding statutory fees and enforcement costs.
* Referral of persistent violations for further administrative or legal action.
The operation was conducted by authorised government officials in accordance with the mandate of OYSAA and the relevant laws governing signage and outdoor advertising in Oyo State.
Leadership Statement
> “The enforcement action carried out on Friday, 24 July 2026, demonstrates the determination of the Oyo State Government to ensure discipline, fairness, and professionalism within the outdoor advertising industry.
> “More than 18 non-compliant billboard structures were affected during the operation. This action was not taken suddenly or without notice. The affected operators had previously been informed of their obligations and were given opportunities to regularise their structures and settle outstanding assessments.
> “Our objective is not to frustrate legitimate businesses. It is to protect practitioners who comply with the law, improve safety along our roads and billboard corridors, and ensure that no operator gains an unfair advantage by refusing to meet the same obligations fulfilled by responsible practitioners.
> “We remain open to dialogue and verification. Any affected operator with valid evidence of approval or payment should immediately present the relevant documents to OYSAA for review.”
>
— OYSAA
Continued Enforcement
The operation conducted on Friday, 24 July 2026, marks the beginning of a broader compliance exercise across billboard corridors and other strategic locations in Oyo State.
OYSAA will continue to inspect and verify outdoor advertising structures to ensure that operators comply with:
* Registration requirements.
* Valid permit and approval conditions.
* Payment of assessed statutory charges.
* Structural and public safety standards.
* Approved locations and dimensions.
* Environmental and visual standards.
* Ownership and practitioner documentation requirements.
Operators who remain non-compliant may have their structures sealed, deactivated, removed, or subjected to further legal and administrative action.
Call for Immediate Compliance
OYSAA advises billboard owners, outdoor advertising practitioners, businesses, religious organisations, political organisations, and corporate institutions to confirm the status of their structures without delay.
Affected operators and new applicants must immediately adhere to the following directives:
* Complete mandatory registration and update all corporate and structural records via the new official portal: https://oysaa-ng.com/.
* Submit monthly permit applications and secure formal approval for all intended advertising campaigns, structural maintenance, or deployment activities via the aforementioned portal prior to execution.
* Submit a valid permit from the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) prior to the deployment of any banners, flexes, or advertising materials on approved structures.
* Verify outstanding assessments and resolve any disputed bills.
* Present verified evidence of payment and renew all expired permits.
* Register unapproved structures and obtain formal approval before displaying new advertisements.
All payments must be made through approved government payment channels. Members of the public should not make cash payments to unauthorised persons.
Public and Media Updates
Official updates on the enforcement exercise, compliance procedures, and public notices will be published through:
* The official OYSAA website.
* OYSAA’s verified social media platforms.
* Official Oyo State Government communication channels.
* Recognised television, radio, print, and online media organisations.
* Notices issued directly to registered outdoor advertising practitioners.
Members of the public and media organisations are encouraged to rely only on information issued through authorised government channels.
For compliance enquiries, document verification, complaints, or media requests, please contact:
Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency.