The Lagos State Government has dismissed a social media claim that it raised the billboard permit fee to N700 million, calling the story false and a deliberate attempt to damage its image.
The post alleged that the supposed hike explains why the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is hardly seen on Lagos roads.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, in a statement said the claim was fake news spread by mischievous politicians and their social media supporters, who he said should be ignored and left to swim in their ignorance.
Omotoso said billboards in the state are owned by private operators, and the most expensive one costs about N10 million monthly. According to him, the government does not operate billboards.
The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) is purely a regulator and has no say in the rates billboard owners charge.
He added that Lagos will remain a bastion of democracy and equal opportunities for all politicians and their parties and advised critics to stop complaining and follow the rules.
The rules as stated by the government said:
Anyone who wishes to register as an outdoor advertising practitioner in Lagos must pay a non-refundable one-off fee of seven million naira to the Agency, register with the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and satisfy all other legal requirements.
Billboard advertisements, including political campaign materials, must be displayed on approved structures operated by registered practitioners with valid LASAA permits.
These structures must meet standards on location, structural safety and the environment.
Regulatory fees for billboard owners are determined by factors such as the size, format and location of the structure, with rates differing across designated zones.
Statutory permit fees paid to LASAA are separate from the commercial costs of media placement, production and other services offered by registered practitioners.
The commissioner said the Agency recently held a public sensitisation on election campaign advertising guidelines, aimed at educating political parties, candidates, advertising practitioners and the public on the regulatory requirements.
He said LASAA’s mandate is to regulate outdoor advertising, issue permits and ensure compliance with the law, and that it remains responsible for making sure all outdoor campaign materials follow the regulations. When campaign activities end, the Agency will take down all campaign materials and restore the city’s visual appeal at no cost to the public.
