The Benue State House of Assembly has given the nod to a bill designed to rein in the wild growth of billboards, hoardings and other outdoor advertising structures across the state.
The debate was steered by Mr Samuel Agada (APC/Ogbadibo), Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) and Digital Economy, who piloted the bill on the floor.
Agada revealed that the draft initially had visible cracks, prompting lawmakers to subject it to rigorous scrutiny to plug all loopholes before passage.
He said once the legislation receives the governor’s assent, it would open a fresh revenue tap for the state, swelling its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
According to him, consultants engaged for the proposed agency estimated that the initiative could rake in as much as two billion naira monthly.
Agada noted that states such as Rivers, Edo, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos already operate Signage and Advertising Agencies to curb indiscriminate outdoor adverts, adding that Benue was now set to join the club.
Beyond revenue, he said the law would also unlock job opportunities for young people across the state.
“There is a Memorandum of Agreement between the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the Benue State Internal Revenue Service for the collection of revenue accruing to the third tier of government,” he said.
He further explained that half of the revenue to be generated would flow directly into the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund.
“The remaining 50 per cent will be shared among the local governments, the Urban Development Board, the Benue State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), and the agency.”
Following his submission, Agada moved that the bill be taken clause by clause, clearing the path for its passage.
Adding their voices, Mr Anthony Agom (APC/Okpokwu) and the Majority Leader, Mr Thomas Dugeri (APC/Kwande West), threw their weight behind the bill.
The Clerk of the House, Dr Bem Mela, later read the bill for the third time, after which the Speaker, Mr Alfred Emberga, declared it duly passed, sealing the lawmakers’ decision.
