Ukpa Ewa
The Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA) has held the maiden edition of its Compliance and Recognition Award (ACRA) 2025 in Awka.
The event honoured outstanding brands and stakeholders for voluntary compliance and support in signage revenue payment.
Speaking at the event, Governor Chukwuma Soludo represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, commended ANSAA for its role in supporting the state ongoing transformation agenda.
He described the agency as one of the key revenue generating bodies contributing to infrastructural development, urging it to sustain its reforms and target ₦2 billion in revenue by 2026.
According to him, Anambra State is rapidly transitioning into a digitally driven government, stressing that collective support is required to achieve the revenue target.
In his address, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ANSAA, Mr. Tony Odili Ujubuonu, disclosed that the agency has recorded significant growth under Governor Soludo administration.
Significant revenue growth
“ANSAA has increased its annual revenue contribution from an average of ₦80 million in previous years to over ₦750 million remitted to the state Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) account in 2025.
He expressed confidence that the agency would hit the ₦1 billion mark next year.
The MD however assured that there would be no increase in signage fees as the agency is instead investing heavily in technology and infrastructure to enhance compliance.
Ujubuonu further disclosed that ANSAA workforce has grown from fewer than 45 staff to over 80 with zonal offices expanding from five to ten across the state.
He said the organization has evolved from “diffident revenue hustlers” to a professional team partnering respected brands and advertisers.
The ANSAA CEO pledged continued delivery of sustainable value to government and stakeholders.
Explaining the rationale behind the ACRA initiative, the ANSAA boss said the award was designed to appreciate customers who comply voluntarily without enforcement.
Maiden award ceremony
He described the 2025 edition as a maiden and premium recognition for brands and institutions that demonstrate civic responsibility by paying their signage fees early.
He announced that about 24 awards would be presented to compliant customers and outstanding staff, adding that the initiative aims to motivate Ndi Anambra to support government development efforts through voluntary compliance.
Ujubuonu advised clients who may be unable to pay immediately to approach the agency for installment arrangements, warning that enforcement and court actions would only increase costs for defaulters.
He also clarified that exemptions from signage payment apply only to government bodies, the United Nations, and multilateral institutions, as provided by law.
In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Environment Dr. Felix Odimegwu, described ANSAA as a partner in progress.
He noted that effective signage regulation enhances environmental standards and business orderliness.
Odimegwu assured the agency of continued collaboration with sister agencies to improve service delivery.
Award recipient
One of the award recipients, Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mr Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, who received the Operational and Compliance Award, said APGA emerged as ANSAA biggest customer due to its prompt and full compliance with signage regulations.
He commended the agency for restoring sanity to outdoor advertising in the state and encouraged other political parties and businesses to emulate APGA’s example.
Also speaking, the Director of Geoelis Cables Limited, Mr. Obiora Ezebube, who received the Early Compliance Recognition Award, said his company prioritizes early payment of government revenues, usually within the first week of January.
He praised ANSAA customer engagement approach and urged other government agencies to adopt similar stakeholder focused strategies, while calling for advance notice whenever there is a review in signage rates.
In a vote of thanks, Chairman of the Organising Committee Dr. Obinna Efobi, thanked stakeholders for their support throughout the year, reaffirming ANSAA commitment to value driven service delivery and improved compliance.
The event featured award presentation to several deserving brands, including the Young Progressives Party (YPP), recognised as the first political party to obtain all campaign permit requirements and prompt payment of ₦50 million mandatory fees during the election.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, alongside other top government officials.
