Daud Olatunji
The General Manager of the Ogun State Signage and Advertising Agency, Fola Onifade, has declared a crackdown on unauthorized stickers from other states.
Onifade said this on Thursday during a press briefing held in Abeokuta to mark the launch of a mobile advert app.
The GM who said vehicles from states with corresponding rates might be exempted, he warned that those carrying stickers designed to defraud the state will face strict enforcement.
“Where a state has a corresponding rate, such as Ogun State, we might waive it. However, if a sticker is designed to defraud the state, we won’t allow it.
” For instance, if you’re coming from Lagos with a LASAA sticker, it’s understandable since they allow vehicles from Ogun State to Lagos. Yet, if you have a Ekiti sticker, it may not be permitted.
“Stickers from other states meant to defraud won’t be allowed. For example, if your vehicle is registered in Ogun State but you produce a Kogi state sticker without justification, it amounts to deliberate fraud, evading taxes or fees.
” In such cases, we reserve the right to ban the vehicle and insist on proper compliance with state regulations.”
The GM announced that the agency has kick-started its 2024 advertising year with the launch of a Mobile Advert App, saying, the agency plans to transition to an electronic format for generating stickers in 2024, with codes and stickers sent directly to the vehicle owner’s email.
He said the move was aimed at streamlining the process and reduce instances of counterfeit stickers.
Speaking on the expanded zonal enforcement and franchise partnership, Onifade said the agency has expanded its coverage from three senatorial districts to eight bundles.
According to him, it is to facilitate better state-wide enforcement.
He explained that monthly zonal-level enforcement and quarterly state-level exercises are part of the agenda to ensure compliance.
Speaking on the challenges faced in the last business year, Onifade said last year’s enforcement efforts saw a relaxation in dealing with politically branded vehicles to avoid tensions during the election year.
Regarding budget performance, he said the agency continues to surpass its estimates year after year.
The GM expressed confidence in exceeding this year’s target, citing extensive monitoring, enforcement, and established contacts across the country.
He said six franchises have been shortlisted for approval to manage the eight newly unbundled zones.
He said “We’ve chosen specific franchises to promote and implement the sticker system. Requests will be processed within 24 hours after submission.
“This year, we’ve expanded from three senatorial districts to eight bundles, enhancing coverage and increasing opportunities for practitioners.
“Security features are in place, contributing to the elimination of counterfeit stickers since last year. We aim to document these achievements and intensify enforcement to ensure compliance and proper fee payment.
“Monthly zonal and quarterly state-level enforcement exercises are planned, involving the agency’s management team. Approved franchises, having paid, will operate within the allocated bundles.
“Enforcement levels were satisfactory last year, with considerations for political branded adverts during the election year.
“Budget performance exceeded standards, and this year’s target is expected to be surpassed due to extensive monitoring and established contacts nationwide.
“Six franchises are shortlisted for the eight bundles, and the agency has been unbundled into A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, and C3 for effective management.
“The security features of the sticker include a code, numbers, background, and the vehicle’s number, ensuring uniqueness to each vehicle.”
“The zones, categorized as A1 to A3, B1 to B2, and C1 to C3, cover different parts of the state. Each bundle will have four layers of security features, including codes, numbers, background, and the vehicle’s registration number.”
Meanwhile,one of the Consultants of OGSAA, Ayo Osinpintan said the reason the agency was going digital is to curb counterfeit of it’s document.
He said previous experience was unpleasant due to counterfeit of the agency’s documents .
He therefore urged the private vehicle owners and companies vehicle that is branded in Ogun State or passing through Ogun State to patronize OGSAA.
“The agency is set to ensure that 2024 is well packaged for the government and the branded vehicles owners in the state.”
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