The Delta State Government has directed that all monies illegally collected from outdoor advertising practitioners outside the approved payment system be refunded, while warning that illegal billboards across the state will be removed as part of efforts to sanitize the advertising sector.
The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, gave the directive at the official launch of the Centralised Smart Advertising Management Platform (CSAMP), describing the new initiative as a major step towards transparency, accountability and improved revenue generation.
Emu said the state was not introducing a new concept but adopting a proven model that has been successfully implemented elsewhere, stressing that the fragmented system of revenue collection by local government councils had created loopholes and encouraged abuse.
According to him, some councils carried out collections properly while others did not, adding that the process had become susceptible to exploitation and had failed to deliver the expected environmental aesthetics.
He disclosed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had directed that anyone who made payments to unauthorized agents should present evidence of payment for verification and refund.
The SSG said those who had already paid through unauthorized channels must be referred to the new centralized platform, assuring that all verified payments would be refunded.
He warned that anyone unable to produce valid evidence of payment would not have a legitimate claim, regardless of any petitions or complaints made to security agencies.
Emu also announced that the state would begin an aggressive enforcement campaign against illegal advertising structures, stating that all unauthorized billboards and signage erected without approval would be demolished.
He explained that under the new arrangement, the management of outdoor advertising had been ceded to the Delta State Signage and Advertisement Agency (DESSAA) through a joint partnership with local government councils, backed by a transparent revenue-sharing formula.
According to him, the cashless CSAMP platform would eliminate the activities of touts and unauthorized revenue collectors by ensuring that all payments are made electronically and properly accounted for.
He said practitioners would be given adequate notice to regularize their payments through the new system, warning that failure to comply would attract the removal of their advertising structures.
The SSG added that the existing legal framework should also allow for periodic administrative adjustments of advertising rates to reflect current realities while ensuring fairness and sustainability in the management of the sector.
On his part the Chairman of DESSAA governing board, Olorogun (Barr.) Jaro Egbo charged the council chairmen as stakeholders that the initiative was the statutory right for signage collection.
While speaking on their role as stakeholders who are meant to be part of the process, Egbo urged them to have desk officers who will serve as representative that will drive the digital processes
In his address the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Signage and Advertisement Agency (DESSAA), Hon. Sebastine Okoh, described the launch of the Centralised Smart Advertising Management Platform (CSAMP) as a major step towards repositioning the agency through innovation, transparency, accountability, and improved service delivery, adding that the initiative as a historic milestone that signals DESSAA’s transition into a fully digital era, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and increasing the agency’s contribution to Delta State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
According to him, the newly launched CSAMP provides a seamless electronic platform that enables advertisers and stakeholders to access DESSAA’s services and complete transactions online from anywhere in the world, eliminating unnecessary physical visits.
Okoh explained that the fully cashless platform would eliminate financial leakages, improve accountability, discourage unethical practices, and ensure that all legitimate revenue due to the agency is properly remitted.
He declared the commencement of “Operation No Pay Shishi Give Anybody,” stressing that all payments should now be made exclusively through the digital platform as part of DESSAA’s commitment to transparency and integrity.
The DESSAA boss urged stakeholders to support and promote the initiative by becoming ambassadors of the new system, expressing confidence that the platform would help build a smarter, more transparent, and prosperous outdoor advertising industry in Delta State.
