Lagos Govt denies increasing billboard permit fees to N700m
LAGOS, Nigeria — Gbenga Omotoso, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, rejected recent claims regarding the ownership and management of billboards throughout Lagos in a statement on Sunday. He asserted that the state government neither owns nor operates these advertising structures.
The commissioner’s remarks came in response to a social media post that alleged a rise in billboard usage, which he attributed to efforts aimed at undermining the government’s reputation. “This is a lie; a piece of fake news meant to tarnish the image of the government by mischievous politicians and their social media bullies. They should be ignored and allowed to swim in their ignorance,” he said.
Omotoso clarified that the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) is responsible for regulating outdoor advertising in the state, asserting that the agency does not control billboard ownership or set commercial rates charged by operators.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to providing a fair playing field for political parties and candidates while urging advertisers to adhere to existing regulations. In a related statement, LASAA confirmed that all billboard advertisements, including those for political campaigns, must be displayed on approved structures managed by registered outdoor advertising practitioners holding valid permits.
The agency specified that these structures must comply with regulations concerning location, structural safety, and environmental standards. It noted that the charges applicable to billboard owners are determined by the size, format, and location of the advertising structures, with rates varying depending on designated zones.
LASAA also indicated that individuals or companies wishing to operate in outdoor advertising in Lagos must pay a one-time, non-refundable registration fee of 7 million Naira, register with the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), and fulfill other statutory requirements. The agency highlighted that its permit charges are separate from commercial expenses related to media placement, production, and other advertising services provided by registered operators.
In efforts to educate political parties, candidates, practitioners, and the public, LASAA recently conducted a public sensitization campaign focused on guidelines for election campaign advertising. The agency reiterated its mission to regulate outdoor advertising, issue necessary permits, and ensure compliance with relevant laws. It assured residents that all outdoor campaign advertisements would be monitored for adherence to established requirements and pledged to remove election materials after the conclusion of political activities without imposing fees, as part of its initiative to restore and maintain the visual appeal of the city.
