Anambra State Requires ₦50 Million Permit Fee Per Governing Candidate for Outdoor Campaigning

 

As political campaigns gear up for the November 8 governorship election, the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA) has instituted a mandatory ₦50 million permit fee for each gubernatorial candidate. This fee must be paid before any outdoor campaigning, including billboards, banners, branded vehicles, public address systems, rallies, and other visual promotions, can occur across the state’s 21 local government areas.

At a press briefing, ANSAA’s Managing Director and CEO, Tony Ujuboonu, emphasized that the permit is a regulatory measure aimed at ensuring orderly, professional, and non‑polluting outdoor advertising, while safeguarding public infrastructure. The agency expects full payment into the state government’s account as a prerequisite to releasing campaign materials.

Only licensed and ARCON‑registered advertising practitioners are authorized to erect billboards and manage campaign advertisements. Additionally, all campaign content must be pre‑approved by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON).

Ujuboonu reminded candidates that non-compliance—including failing to pay the permit fee—will attract sanctions such as the removal of advertising materials. He reiterated that ANSAA’s regulatory role stems from its legal mandate under the 2010 Signage and Advertisement Agency Law.