Lagos debunks N700m billboard permit claim, says highest costs N10m monthly

The Lagos State Government has dismissed claims that it increased billboard permit fees to N700 million, describing the allegation as false and misleading.

The government said the most expensive billboard in the state costs about N10 million monthly, stressing that billboard structures are owned and operated by private advertising practitioners, not the government.

In a recent statement, the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) clarified that its responsibility is to regulate outdoor advertising and not determine the commercial rates charged by billboard owners.

The clarification followed a social media claim that the alleged N700 million permit fee was responsible for the absence of New Democratic Congress (NDC) campaign materials on Lagos roads.

The government explained that statutory regulatory fees payable to LASAA are separate from commercial charges for media placement, production and other advertising services provided by private operators.

It added that individuals seeking registration as outdoor advertising practitioners in the state must pay a non-refundable one-off fee of N7 million, register with the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and fulfil other requirements.

According to the agency, billboard permit fees vary depending on the size, format and location of advertising structures, with different rates applying across designated zones.

LASAA also said political campaign materials must be displayed on approved advertising structures operated by registered practitioners with valid permits and must comply with regulations on location, structural safety and environmental standards.