DOAS STRENGTHENS ENFORCEMENT PARTNERSHIP WITH FCT POLICE COMMAND
By: Ngozi Ufomba
In a strategic move to strengthen inter-agency collaboration for effective outdoor advertising regulation and public safety in the Federal Capital Territory, the management of the Department of Outdoor Advertising and Signage (DOAS), FCT Administration, paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command.
The delegation, led by the Overseeing Director of DOAS, Dr. Azaki Sunday Kachiwoyi was received by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, at the FCT Police Command Headquarters, Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Azaki commended the Commissioner of Police for his exemplary leadership and relentless efforts in curbing crime and maintaining peace in the FCT, and also appreciated the FCT Police Command for its sustained support, professionalism and cooperation in the enforcement of outdoor advertising regulations across the Territory.
He noted that the mandate of DOAS – to regulate, control and sanitize outdoor advertising structures – cannot be effectively achieved without the support of security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police.
“Outdoor advertising regulation goes beyond aesthetics; it is about public safety, urban order, environmental protection and electoral integrity. Our collaboration with the Police has been instrumental in removing illegal, unsafe and clustered billboards, preventing indiscriminate pasting of posters and ensuring compliance during political campaigns. We are here to appreciate this partnership and to explore ways to deepen it as we approach the 2027 General Elections,” Dr. Azaki stated.
He explained that as political activities intensify, the need for a stronger enforcement framework to curb illegal political billboards, defacement of public infrastructure and erection of unsafe advertising structures has become more imperative.
According to him, DOAS is committed to a cleaner, safer and more orderly FCT, and will continue to work closely with the Police and other security agencies to achieve this goal.
In his response, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, PhD, thanked the DOAS management for the visit and for recognizing the role of the Police in maintaining order in the FCT.
CP Sanusi reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to continue providing security backing for DOAS enforcement operations in line with extant laws and regulations. He assured that the Police will remain a dependable partner in ensuring that outdoor advertising activities in the FCT are conducted within the ambit of the law and without compromising public safety and environmental aesthetics.
He stressed that effective regulation of outdoor advertising contributes significantly to crime prevention, traffic safety and general security of lives and property in the capital city.
Highpoint of the visit was the presentation of a Plaque of Appreciation to the Commissioner of Police in recognition of the excellent partnership, cooperation and support extended to DOAS by the FCT Police Command.
Members of the DOAS management team were present at the visit.
