ENSSAA imposes N150m mandatory advertising permit for upcoming election cycles

The Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ENSSAA) has introduced a mandatory ₦150 million advertising permit fee for all political parties and candidates participating in the 2026 and 2027 election cycles.

The directive, which covers local, state, and federal contests, was announced on Monday by the agency’s General Manager, Mr. Francis Aninwike, during a management session at the State Secretariat.

Operating under the theme of "Outdoor Promotion and Visual Campaign Guidelines," Aninwike explained that the permit is essential for maintaining environmental aesthetics and public order across the state’s 17 local government areas.

The ₦150 million fee serves as a comprehensive license, granting candidates the legal right to deploy banners, branded vehicles, handbills, and t-shirts, as well as to conduct street campaigns and rallies in both urban and rural centers.

The agency emphasized that the permit system is designed to prevent visual pollution and protect public infrastructure from indiscriminate defacement.

Aninwike warned that any campaign materials deployed without prior authorization and payment to the Enugu State Government account would be summarily removed.

Additionally, only practitioners registered and licensed by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) are permitted to manage billboard structures, ensuring that professional standards are upheld throughout the campaign period.

Addressing potential concerns of political bias, the ENSSAA leadership insisted that the guidelines would be applied uniformly to all participants, including incumbents.

The agency further cautioned supporters against destroying or defacing the campaign materials of opposing parties, noting that such undemocratic behavior is punishable by law.

As the 2026 and 2027 elections approach, the agency remains committed to fostering an orderly and professional outdoor advertising environment.