Get Guardian on Google…LASAA clarifies regulatory charges, pegs outdoor advertising registration fee at ₦7m
The Lagos State Government has dismissed claims that it increased billboard permit fees to ₦700 million, describing the allegation as false and politically motivated.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, debunked the claim in a statement on Sunday, insisting that the government neither owns nor operates billboards in the state.
Responding to a social media post alleging the increase, Omotoso said the report was intended to tarnish the image of the government.
“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.
He explained that billboards were owned by private operators, adding that the most expensive advertising structure costs about ₦10 million monthly.
Omotoso said the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) served only as a regulator and did not operate billboards or determine the commercial rates charged by their owners.
He added that Lagos remained committed to providing equal opportunities for politicians and political parties, urging advertisers to comply with established regulations.
In a separate clarification, LASAA explained that billboard advertisements, including political campaign materials, must be displayed on approved advertising structures operated by registered outdoor advertising practitioners with valid permits.
The agency said such structures must meet established requirements relating to location, structural safety and environmental standards.
It explained that applicable regulatory fees for billboard owners were determined by factors including the size, format and location of advertising structures, with rates varying across designated zones.
LASAA also clarified that anyone seeking to practise as an outdoor advertising practitioner in Lagos must pay a non-refundable, one-off registration fee of ₦7 million, register with the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and fulfil other statutory requirements.
The agency stressed that its statutory permit fees were separate from commercial costs associated with media placement, production and other advertising services provided by registered outdoor advertising practitioners.
According to LASAA, it recently conducted public sensitisation on election campaign advertising guidelines to educate political parties, candidates, advertising practitioners and members of the public on applicable regulatory requirements.
It reiterated that its mandate was to regulate outdoor advertising, administer permits and ensure compliance with relevant laws.
The agency added that it would ensure all outdoor campaign materials complied with established regulations.
LASAA also assured residents that it would remove election campaign materials after political activities at no cost to the public, restoring the city’s visually appealing environment.
