Enugu political parties face a ₦150m permit fee for 2026 election campaigns to regulate outdoor advertising and decorum.
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Political parties and candidates gearing up for the 2026 and 2027 elections in Enugu State now have a major financial hurdle to cross. The state’s signage agency, ENSSAA, has officially fixed a mandatory ₦150 million advertising permit fee for all participants.
This announcement was made by Mr. Francis Aninwike, General Manager of the Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ENSSAA). Speaking at the agency’s headquarters on Monday, Aninwike clarified that the directive covers local, state, and federal elections.
What the ₦150m Fee Covers
The ₦150 million payment is not just for billboards. It grants parties the legal right to use various campaign tools across the 17 local government areas. These include:
- Banners and handbills
- Branded vehicles, T-shirts, and caps
- Political rallies and street buntings
Aninwike emphasized that no candidate is allowed to deploy any visual campaign materials without first paying this fee into the state government’s account.
Cleaning Up the Streets
The agency says this move is about more than just revenue. According to the General Manager, the goal is to prevent "visual pollution" and protect the state’s environment.
By regulating where and how posters are placed, the agency hopes to maintain professional standards and safeguard public infrastructure.
The agency also issued a stern warning: any campaign materials put up without a permit will be pulled down, and those responsible could face legal action.
Strict Rules for Billboards
In a bid to ensure professionalism, ENSSAA stated that only practitioners registered with the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) are authorized to handle billboards.
Parties and support groups are strictly forbidden from erecting their own advertisement structures. They must go through licensed professionals to ensure everything meets the state’s safety and aesthetic guidelines.
A Level Playing Field
Addressing concerns about fairness, Aninwike assured the public that these rules apply to everyone. He noted that even Governor Peter Mbah has a history of following these regulations.
He also warned politicians against the "undemocratic" habit of destroying or defacing their opponents' posters. The agency maintains that the law will be applied uniformly, regardless of a candidate’s political affiliation or incumbency status.
As the 2026 election cycle approaches, ENSSAA is urging all political actors to keep the peace and view the upcoming polls as a democratic exercise rather than a "do-or-die" affair.
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