As part of its ongoing urban renewal initiative, the Kwara State Government has formed a Task Force on Advertising and Signage Restructuring. The aim is to enhance the state's visual appeal and standardise outdoor advertising practices both within and outside the metropolitan areas.

The task force held its inaugural meeting today at the Ministry's Conference Hall in Ilorin, chaired by Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, Commissioner for Communications and Committee Chairperson.

In her remarks, Olukoju highlighted that this effort is in line with the state's drive to modernise Kwara, improve public safety, and ensure adherence to global best practices in the advertising sector.

She disclosed that "the taskforce will oversee a structured enforcement of advertising and signage regulations, starting with the removal of unauthorized billboards, poster and light pole banners in Ilorin metropolis before extending it to other parts of the state.”

In a related development, the inaugural meeting of the committee was held today, after the inauguration, Chaired by Hon. Olukoju assured them that, the stakeholders' engagement remains a priority adding that consultations will continue as the events unfold.

The Commissioner thereafter outlined the task force's key responsibilities, which include: "Identifying and removing unauthorized and improperly erected billboards and advertisement structures, engaging stakeholders (both public and private), within the advertising and outdoor media sectors, to ensure compliance and develop a sustainable framework to prevent future violations."

According to her, the task force is made up of representatives from key government agencies and the private sector, with members as follows: Chairperson Commissioner for Communications, Co-Chair: Commissioner for Works and Transport, while committee members are: the General Manager, Kwara State Signage and Advertisement Agency, Representative of Kwara State Ministry of Environment and Road Traffic Management Authority (KWARTMA) Others are; representatives, of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Police Force, Private Sectors, the Managing Director, AKOT Prints, and a Senior Administrative Officer of the Ministry of Communications, as Secretary.

The Commissioner disclosed that there will be no registration or renewal of billboard licenses until further notice, to enable the state to finalize a new regulatory framework.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Yahaya Muhammed, assured the public that all enforcement activities will be carried out professionally and in the best interest of the state's development.