THE Lagos State Government has dissociated itself from the announcement made by the Executive Secretary of Lagos State Film & Video Censors Board, Mr. Bamidele Balogun that there shall be a 5% levy on audio and visual contents of physical and digital platforms, the Government noting that same was made without authorization by him.
This is contained in a statement issued by the State Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso which was made available to TheNigeriaLawyer(TNL), titled “LAGOS STATE HAS NO 5% LEVY ON AUDIO AND VISUAL CONTENTS OF PHYSICAL AND DIGITAL PLATFORMS”.
“There is no levy on Audio and Visual contents of all Physical and Digital Platforms in Lagos State.” He said.
However, it was disclosed that the Executive Secretary has been suspended from office as a result of the publication.
“The Executive Secretary, Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, Mr. Bamidele Balogun, is said to have announced a 5% levy.
“The Government hereby dissociates itself from the said announcement in the media. The Executive Secretary, who was not authorised to make such an announcement, has been suspended, pending an administrative enquiry.”
Meanwhile, the Government noted that the entertainment & tourism industries are key to its development project in the State.
“The fifth pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda, the development policy of this Administration, is Entertainment and Tourism. Practitioners are partners in our effort to ensure that Lagos State remains Africa’s leader in entertainment.”
Furthermore, he noted that the Governor of Lagos State is aware of the adverse effects that the pandemic has foisted on the industry.
“The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu Administration is not insensitive to the fact that the industry has been badly hit by the effects of the COVID -19 pandemic and empathises with this and other sectors of the economy.”
“All stakeholders in the Entertainment Industry are advised to disregard the said publication.” The statement concluded.
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