Nigerian state campaign billboard fee implementations

Nigerian states are implementing new fee structures for outdoor political advertising ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In Abia State, the Structure for Signage and Advertising Agency (ABSSAA) announced fees including ₦200 million for presidential candidates and ₦150 million for governorship candidates. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) criticized these charges as “excessive and potentially illegal,” arguing they could disadvantage opposition parties. ABSSAA maintained that the rates are applied equally to all parties to ensure safety and public order.

Cross River State's Signage and Advertisement Agency (CRISSAA) has established a tiered tariff structure. Presidential candidates face a ₦150 million charge, while governorship candidates are set to pay ₦100 million. Senatorial candidates are charged ₦50 million, House of Representatives candidates ₦25 million, and State House of Assembly candidates ₦5 million. Director-General Ubong Sam stated these measures aim to regulate advertising spaces and ensure fairness, describing the rates as “moderate compared to neighboring states.”

Kogi State has also approved new fees for the 2027 elections and local government polls. Presidential candidates will be charged ₦150 million, senatorial candidates ₦50 million, House of Representatives candidates ₦30 million, and State Assembly candidates ₦5 million. Lower-level costs include ₦2 million for chairmanship candidates and ₦300,000 for councillorship candidates. Commissioner Kingsley Fanwo stated the policy aims to regulate advertising and generate revenue.

Political opposition in Kogi, including the PDP and AAC, described the charges as “excessive, unfair and undemocratic,” arguing they create financial barriers that undermine a level playing field. Across these jurisdictions, regulations mandate the removal of campaign materials following election results, with potential penalties including fines or prosecution.