JAGISTS

Chukwuma Soludo, the governor of Anambra, has criticized the state’s inhabitants for having to pay N100,000 for funeral posters.

The Governor announced a N5,000 charge that would only endure for two weeks on anybody wanting to place funeral and other event posters around the State.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Anambra State Signage and Advertising Agency, Mr. Tony ujubuonu, sent a letter with the tax rates to the National President of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions, ASATU.

The agency would collaborate with ASATU to collect the taxes as sources of internally generated income IGR and to reduce the threat of “non-commercial advertising” in the state, according to the letter titled “Regulation of Ceremonial Adverts.”

The letter, which The Nation acquired, reads as follows: “The tariff shown below provides an overview of what must be paid; the fees are as follows: 4 X 6FT N5,000 for 2 weeks; 8 X 10FT N20,000 for 2 weeks; over 10FT square are N100,000 monthly; and N5000 for posters for 2 weeks.

“Be aware that there are no fees for directional signage leading to the venue, which may be 1×2 feet in size.

“Additionally, it’s crucial to keep in mind that any such board that is still up after the expiration of this time will be subject to a fine equal to the amount first paid. This fine is paid each week.

“The Agency is aware of the threat posed by non-commercial advertisements that have figuratively taken over our out-of-home environment as it carries out its legal duties.

“These advertisements take the shape of banners and posters for weddings, funerals, and other events.

“These substances often deface the environment and endanger the attractiveness of our neighborhoods.

“The Agency recognizes the need to control the use of these resources in ways that are decent and orderly, in keeping with Mr. Governor’s declared goal of creating a wealthy, livable, and smart city state in Anambra.

“We aim to manage this procedure in collaboration with the Town Unions since this is a phenomena that is connected to all the communities and villages in Anambra State.

“We hope the Town Union would assume the obligation of notifying the villages and hamlets.

“Kindreds, churches, and other organizations in their localities are also to be warned that starting on November 1, 2022, the Agency would start enforcing and collecting levies on all posters and materials used for such events.

Because we have always seen you as advance partners in the development of Anambra State, we have written to you.