The Lagos State Government has dismissed reports that it charges up to N700 million for billboard permits, calling the allegation false and an attempt to misrepresent the state’s outdoor advertising regulations.
The government said the most expensive billboard advertising space in Lagos costs about N10 million per month, stressing that private advertising companies own and operate billboard structures, not the state government.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso made this statement in response to claims circulating on social media that the alleged high cost of billboard permits caused the absence of New Democratic Congress (NDC) campaign materials on Lagos roads.
The government described the claim as misleading, explaining that the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) regulates outdoor advertising activities and does not own or operate billboard structures.
“Billboards are owned by private operators. The most expensive billboard costs about N10 million per month. The government does not run billboards,” the statement said.
Clarifying the regulatory framework, the government said individuals and companies seeking to operate as outdoor advertising practitioners in Lagos must obtain a non-refundable, one-off registration form costing N7 million, register with the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), and fulfil other statutory requirements.
However, it emphasised that the registration requirement should not be confused with permit fees payable for individual advertising structures or the commercial charges for billboard placements.
According to the government, applicable regulatory fees are determined by factors such as the size, format and location of advertising structures, with rates varying across designated zones.
It added that billboard advertisements, including political campaign materials, must be displayed on approved advertising structures operated by registered outdoor advertising practitioners with valid LASAA permits.
The structures are also expected to comply with established regulations on location, structural safety and environmental standards.
The government further disclosed that LASAA had recently embarked on public sensitisation and stakeholder engagement on election campaign advertising guidelines to educate political parties, candidates, advertising practitioners and members of the public on the applicable regulations.
It stated that the agency’s responsibility was to administer permits, regulate outdoor advertising and ensure compliance with the law, including campaign-related advertisements.
The statement added that LASAA would remove election campaign communication materials after the electioneering activities to restore the city’s visual appeal, without imposing any cost on the public.
The government assured political parties and candidates of equal opportunities to advertise across the state, maintaining that Lagos remained committed to democratic principles and compliance with established regulations.