The Kwara State Signage and Advertisement Agency (KWASAA) has issued a fresh warning over the increasing spread of unapproved advertisements on minibuses (Korope) and tricycles (Keke Marwa), raising concerns about public safety and the circulation of misleading information across the state.
Speaking during a meeting with executives of major transport unions on Friday, the Acting General Manager of KWASAA, Toba Adeyeye, said the unruly trend had created opportunities for scammers, promoters of unapproved drugs and vendors of unsafe beverages to push dangerous and deceptive messages to unsuspecting commuters.
He stressed that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration places premium value on the safety and wellbeing of residents, adding that the government would not permit any form of advertisement that could put the public at risk.
Adeyeye announced that henceforth, individuals, businesses or organisations proposing to place adverts on commercial vehicles must formally apply to KWASAA, attach their design concepts and obtain official clearance before any material is displayed on transport operators’ vehicles.
Responding on behalf of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the State Secretary, Alhaji Yemi Aliu, assured that the union would relay the new directives to all members and ensure that any party seeking to place adverts is properly directed to KWASAA for authorisation.
Similarly, the Public Relations Officer of the Transport Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN), Abdulganiyu Isiaka Agba, encouraged the agency to widen its public sensitisation efforts to increase awareness about the new advertising requirements.
The Administrative Secretary of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Mr. Babatunde Abdulganiyu, also pledged full cooperation with the agency, reaffirming the union’s readiness to support government efforts geared towards safeguarding lives and property.
