Enugu State Imposes ₦150 Million Advertising Permit Fee for 2026/2027 Political Campaigns

The Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ENSSAA) has introduced a mandatory ₦150 million permit fee for all political parties and candidates planning to conduct outdoor advertising or visible campaign activities during the 2026 local government elections and the 2027 general elections.

ENSSAA General Manager Mr. Francis Aninwike disclosed the new requirement during a management meeting held at the agency’s headquarters in Enugu on Monday, February 23, 2026. A statement released by Governor Peter Mbah’s media office quoted Aninwike explaining that the directive aligns with the agency’s legal responsibility to regulate outdoor advertising, maintain environmental aesthetics, and protect public infrastructure across the state’s 17 local government areas.

Scope of the Advertising Permit

The ₦150 million fee grants parties and candidates formal authorization to deploy a wide range of campaign materials and activities, including:

• Banners and billboards

• Branded vehicles

• Printed T-shirts and apparel

• Handbills and posters

• Street campaigns and public rallies

Aninwike emphasized that the fee must be paid into the designated Enugu State Government account before any campaign materials can be displayed or distributed. He made it clear that the requirement applies equally to all contestants, including incumbents, and is not intended to favor or disadvantage any political group.

Regulatory Compliance and ARCON Licensing

The agency also reiterated that only practitioners duly registered and licensed by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) are permitted to handle the design, erection, or management of billboards and other large-scale campaign structures in Enugu State. No individual, political party, support group, or informal entity may install such structures without going through an authorized ARCON-licensed professional and obtaining ENSSAA approval.

Aninwike warned that non-compliance would result in swift enforcement action: unauthorized campaign materials would be removed, and violators could face legal sanctions. He further cautioned supporters against defacing or destroying opponents’ campaign items, describing such behavior as undemocratic and punishable under state and federal law.

Impact and Stakeholder Reactions

The introduction of the high permit fee has already generated debate among political stakeholders. Some observers view it as a legitimate revenue and regulatory measure to control visual pollution and ensure professional standards during election periods. Others question whether the amount could disproportionately affect smaller parties or independent candidates with limited resources, potentially limiting the diversity of campaign visibility.

The policy takes effect immediately and will remain in force throughout the 2026 local government election cycle and the run-up to the 2027 general elections.