The Lagos State has debunked the claim that it has raised billboard permit fee to N700 million, reports thegazellenews.com.
The government statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso while reacting to claims by the government is charging N700 million for billboard permit.
“That is why you hardly see NDC on Lagos roads,” a social media post had erroneously alleged.
Reacting to the false narrative, Omotoso described the allegation as, “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”.
According to the Commissioner, billboards are owned by private operators and the most expensive billboard is about N10 million monthly.
“The government does not run billboards,” he said.
Omotoso stated further that, “The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) is only a regulator, not an operator.
Lagos will continue to be the bastion of democracy and equal opportunities for all politicians and their parties.
“Instead of whining, these grumblers should simply follow the rules. Here they are:
“To register as an outdoor advertising practitioner in the state, interested persons must obtain a non-refundable form of seven million Naira in the Agency, register with Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and fulfil all other requirements of the law.
“LASAA does not determine the rates charged by billboard owners.
“Billboard advertisements, including political campaign materials, are required to be displayed on approved advertising structures operated by registered outdoor advertising practitioners with valid LASAA permits.
“Such structures must comply with established requirements relating to location, structural safety and environmental standards.
“Applicable regulatory fees for billboard owners are determined by some factors, including the size, format and location of advertising structures, with rates varying across designated zones.
“To practise as an outdoor advertising practitioner in Lagos, a non-refundable one-off fee of Seven Million Naira (₦7 million) must be paid.
“Statutory permit fees payable to LASAA are distinct from the commercial costs of media placement, production and other advertising services provided by registered outdoor advertising practitioners.
“For public awareness and stakeholder engagement, the Agency has recently undertaken a public sensitisation on election campaign advertising guidelines aimed at educating political parties, candidates, advertising practitioners and the public on the applicable regulatory requirements.
“LASAA’s mandate is to regulate outdoor advertising, administer permits and ensure compliance with the law.
“The Agency maintains its responsibility to ensure that all outdoor campaign materials comply with established regulations.
“After the election campaign activities, LASAA will remove all the communication materials to bring back the city to its visually-pleasing state at no cost to the public”.
