The Akwa Ibom state Ministry of Envorinment, headed by Sir. Charles Udoh has notified the general public that all unapproved billboards across the state will be pulled down without recourse to their owners, irrespective of political affiliations. The Commissioner said this in a statement released to Journalists earlier today which read in parts;
“The attention of the Ministry of Environment and Solid Minerals has been drawn to attempts by some ill-advised members of the public; under the guise of politics, to install Billboards structures without due approval by the State Government.
It is pertinent to recall that on January 06, 2021, the Akwa Ibom State Government through the Ministry of Environment and Solid Minerals had announced a REVIEW OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING GUIDELINES.
The revised guidelines stipulated that ALL BILLBOARD INSTALLATIONS IN THE STATE MUST BE DULY APPROVED by the Ministry of Ministry of Environment and Solid Minerals.
The announcement was in line with the approved Akwa Ibom State Environmental Beautification Policy designed to improve the aesthetics of the Uyo Capital City and other major urban centers in the state. It was also designed to promote the physical and mental health of citizens and residents, increase tourism potentials and provide a more esthetically resplendent environment for the growth of business and economic activities.
Consequently, ALL UNAPPROVED BILLBOARDS STRUCTURES; particularly those in major urban locations; IRRESPECTIVE OF OWNERSHIP or POLITICAL AFFILIATIONS WILL BE REMOVED by the Ministry of Environment & Solid Minerals WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE or RECOURSE TO THE OWNER(S).
Members of the public, advertising practitioners, political parties/aspirants are please enjoined to take note while also remembering that the ban of pasting of posters on roundabouts, road kerbs and other government facilities is still on.
Once again, we wish to reiterate that the Ministry of Environment & Solid Minerals will continue to enforce environmental regulations for the betterment of citizens and residents of Akwa ibom State.
A safe and clean environment starts with you.
