The Lagos State Government has rejected claims that it raised billboard permit fees to ₦700 million, saying the figure does not reflect the cost of placing advertisements across the state.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, gave the clarification on Sunday, November 15, following a claim linking the alleged fee to the absence of National Democratic Congress (NDC) campaign materials on Lagos roads.
Omotoso said billboards were owned and operated by private outdoor advertising practitioners, while the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) was responsible for regulating the sector. He explained that the agency did not own billboard structures or set the commercial rates charged by their operators.
According to him, the highest billboard placement cost is about ₦10 million monthly.The commissioner also said the fees paid to LASAA were separate from the commercial charges for advertising space. He noted that applicable permit fees varied based on the size, format and location of each structure, with different rates across designated zones.
Omotoso further explained that outdoor advertising practitioners must be registered and operate with valid LASAA permits. They are also required to meet standards covering the location and structural safety of their advertising structures, as well as environmental requirements. He said the one-off, non-refundable ₦7 million registration fee for practitioners was distinct from billboard placement costs and permit charges.
On preparations for the 2027 elections, the commissioner said LASAA had held a public sensitisation exercise to educate political parties, candidates, advertising practitioners and members of the public on the rules guiding campaign advertisements.
He added that the agency would remove campaign materials after the elections without charging the public, as part of efforts to restore the state’s visual environment.
Omotoso urged political parties and candidates to comply with the regulations, adding that Lagos remained committed to providing equal opportunities for all political actors.
Emiabata Deborah Oluwabusiolami
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