The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has urged the National Assembly to fast-track the process of establishing Outdoor Advertisement and Signage as an agency to institutionalize its mode of operation.

The Vice President of NANS, Mr Victor Ezanagu, who made the call at a news conference on Thursday in Abuja, said that the establishment of the agency by the National Assembly would free its operation from external interference.

He dismissed the call for the disbandment of the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage (DOAS), as such would return the FCT to the “days of unkempt environment.”

He said that DOAS served as platform of engaging young people who are fresh graduates and unemployed, knowing fully well that majority of the activities of the department revolve around intellectual contributions and ability of young people.

“NANS has taken it upon itself to embark on a fact-finding mission to dissect the activities of FCTA’s Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage, thereby aiding our understanding on misconceptions and grievances from different quarters beyond what is reported on social media.”

He called on mischievous people who are causing unrest within the FCT to put an end to their ugly acts, since the issue was before National Assembly for a thorough action as “We crave for a speedy process in the betterment of Nigerian society.”

“It has come to our notice that issues revolving FCTA Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage and this has attracted the attention of every discerning Nigerian of which the students populace are not excluded.

“It is on record that the Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage (DOAS) is saddled with the responsibility to control, curb indecent activities and poor procedures and regulate adverts and signage practices in Abuja and its six Area Councils.”

“Aside from the professional practices of DOAS, it is pivotal to state that this initiative has helped in generating meaningful revenue in FCT since establishment and this has made the body a key source of generating funds for the government in the whole of Abuja.”

The student leader, therefore, appealed to every warring parties to sheath swords and embrace peace in the interest of a greater Nigeria and betterment of all and sundry.

Ezanagu said that NANS had reliably gathered that all signage and billboard payments are made into the TSA through the REMITA platform, DOAS does not collect cash from clients.

“Considering the benefits being enjoyed by Nigerians under DOAS, we perceive it is inhumane and maligning to call for this disbandment of such body, as such would return the FCTA to the days’ unkempt environment.

“It will also lead to the proliferation and unprofessional activities of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage and further endangers an average Nigerian doing business by falling prey into hands of underworld agents.”

Source: News Agency of Nigeria