The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage (DOAS), on Tuesday launched the FCT/State Mobile Advertisement and Haulage permits for 2023 financial year.

The Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, while launching the system sought the cooperation of the business owners in the FCT, in order to achieve the objective of the initiative.

Adesola said that the move was part of efforts to facilitate the ease of doing business drive in the nation’s capital. He commended DOAS for the initiative. aimed at improving institutional cooperation and partnerships with the critical stakeholders.

Adesola warned: “FCTA would no longer tolerate acts of thuggery in the collection of taxes, as there are better ways of doing such, which will ensure the attainment of ease of doing business.”

He commended the leadership of Area Councils for resolving to synergise with DOAS to streamline the system. The permanent secretary said the proliferation of collection authorities for mobile advertisements had led to serious loss of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the FCT.

Earlier, the Executive Chairman, Kwali Area Council, Danladi Chiya, said although Area Councils have the constitutional right to collect such advertisements, they have no issue with FCTA over the establishment and mandate of DOAS.

Chiya, who is also the Chairman of All Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), however, called for more efforts towards bridging the gaps in the system, in order for all stakeholders to be at the same level.

Also, the Director of DOAS, Dr Adam Babagana , said the initiative was sequel to the necessity for a centralised system for advertisements and haulage permits in the Territory. Babagana, however, appealed to all stakeholders that were still importing papers and jeopardising businesses in the FCT to have a rethink.

“So, I’m appealing that all should come under one page with DOAS and the six Area Councils, so that businesses will thrive, especially the small and medium enterprises in the FCT,” he urged.

The Chairman, Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria, FCT, Ishaq AbdulRaheem, said the advent of DOAS has helped to streamline mobile adverts and haulage collection system in the FCT.

He, therefore, pledged the readiness of the association to ensure the realisation of the rationale behind the initiative. (NAN)