Anambra State Government, on Wednesday, slammed a tax of N100,000 for the display of burial banners and posters across the state.

According to the policy, those willing to paste burial and other event posters in any part of the state would pay a N5,000 tax which will last for two weeks.

The new rates were contained in a letter addressed to the National President, Anambra State Association of Town Unions and signed by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Anambra State Signage and Advertisment Agency, Tony Ujubuonu.

It also stated that the agency will from November 1, 2022, begin the enforcement and collection of levies on all such posters and flex used for any of such ceremonies, advising that kindreds, churches and any such bodies within their towns to take note.

The letter, titled, ‘Regulation of ceremonial adverts’, pointed out that the agency would work in partnership with ASATU to recover the taxes as source of internally generated revenue with a view to curbing the menace of ‘non-commercial adverts’ in the state.

The letter read in part, “The tariff below serves as a guide to what is payable; sizes, description, amount and duration of the taxes are: 4 X 6FT N5,000 for two weeks; 8 X 10FT N20,000 for two weeks; above 10FT square are N100,000 monthly; and N5000 for posters for two weeks.

“Note that directional signs leading to the venue which can come in 1x 2ft size will not be charged. It is also important to bear in mind that after the duration of this period, any such board that is left standing will attract a penalty in the sum of the amount initially paid. This penalty is paid weekly.

“The agency, in fulfillment of its statutory obligation, is not unmindful of the menace associated with non-commercial adverts that have literally occupied our out-of-home space. These adverts come in the form of obituary, religious, wedding and sundry flex, banners and posters.

“These materials tend to deface the environment and pose a threat to the aesthetics of our communities. In line with Mr Governor’s avowed aim of building a prosperous, livable and smart city state in Anambra, the agency sees the need to regulate the use of these materials in manners that are decent and orderly.

“Because this is a phenomenon that is associated with all the communities and villages in Anambra State, we hope to administer this process in partnership with the Town Unions. It is our wish that the Town Union will take up the responsibility of informing the villages and hamlets.

“Others to be informed are kindreds, churches and any such bodies within their towns that from the November 1, 2022, the agency will begin the enforcement and collection of levies on all such posters and flex used for any of such ceremonies.

“We have written to you because we have always regarded you as progress partners in the development of Anambra State.”

Punch