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Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo has imposed a charge of 100,000 on residents for funeral posters in the state.
The governor said those willing to put up posters for funerals and other events in any part of the state will pay a tax of N5,000 which will last for two weeks only.
The tax rates were contained in a letter addressed to the National President, Anambra State Association of Municipal Trade Unions, ASATU, by the Managing Director and Managing Director of Anambra State Signage and Advertising Agency, ANSAA, Mr. Tony ujubuonu.
The letter
The letter said: "Regulation of Festive Advertisements" explained that the agency will work in collaboration with SATU to recover taxes as a source of IGR's internally generated revenue and curb the menace of "non-commercial advertisements" in the state.
According to the letter obtained by The Nation and confirmed by prudentj2, “The tariff below serves as a guide to what is paid; sixes, description, amount and duration of taxes are: 4 X 6FT N5,000 for 2 weeks; 8 X 10FT N20, 000 for 2 weeks, above 10FT square is N100,000 monthly and N5000 for posters for 2 weeks.
“Please note that directional signs leading to the venue, which may be 1 x 2 feet in size, will not be charged.
"It is also important to note that after this period any such board that remains standing will be fined the amount originally paid. This fine is paid weekly.
"In fulfilling its legal duty, the agency does not appreciate the threats related to non-commercial advertising that has literally taken over our out-of-home space.
"These ads come in the form of obituaries, religious, wedding and various flex, banners and posters.
“These materials tend to pollute the environment and threaten the aesthetics of our communities.
“In line with the stated objective of Mr. Governor to build a prosperous, livable and smart city-state in Anambra, the Agency sees the need to regulate the use of these materials in a manner that is decent and orderly.
“Since this is a phenomenon that is linked to all communities and villages in Anambra State, we hope to manage this process in collaboration with the town unions.
"Our wish is that the Department of Towns takes responsibility for informing municipalities and villages.
“Others to be informed are relatives, churches and any similar bodies in their cities that from November 1, 2022, the Agency will begin enforcement and collection of fees for all such posters and flexes used for any of such ceremonies.
“We are writing to you because we have always considered you partners in advancing the development of Anambra State.