The Lagos State Government has dismissed as fake news claims that it raised billboard permit fees to N700 million, saying the allegation was spread by mischievous politicians and their social media bullies to tarnish its image. In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the government said the claim that “that is why you hardly see NDC on Lagos roads” is false and should be ignored. Omotoso clarified that billboards are owned by private operators, with the most expensive costing about N10 million monthly, stressing that the government does not run billboards. The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA), he said, is only a regulator, not an operator, and Lagos remains a bastion of democracy and equal opportunities for all politicians and their parties.
Instead of whining, Omotoso urged grumblers to follow the rules. To practise as an outdoor advertising practitioner in Lagos, interested persons must pay a non-refundable one-off fee of Seven Million Naira (N7 million), register with the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and fulfil all other requirements of the law. He stressed that LASAA does not determine the rates charged by billboard owners, and that billboard advertisements, including political campaign materials, must be displayed on approved structures operated by registered practitioners with valid LASAA permits. Such structures must comply with requirements on location, structural safety and environmental standards, while regulatory fees for owners are determined by size, format and location, with rates varying across designated zones. Statutory permit fees payable to LASAA are distinct from commercial costs of media placement, production and other services provided by practitioners.
Omotoso added that the Agency recently undertook public sensitisation on election campaign advertising guidelines to educate political parties, candidates, practitioners and the public on applicable requirements. LASAA’s mandate is to regulate outdoor advertising, administer permits and ensure compliance, including ensuring that all outdoor campaign materials meet established regulations. After election campaign activities, the Agency will remove all communication materials to return the city to its visually pleasing state at no cost to the public.
