Wike Speaks On Payment Of ₦750 Million Permit Fee For Presidential Campaign Billboards In FCT

Wike has reacted to a viral report of approving payment of ₦750 million permit fee for presidential campaign billboards in the FCT.

NewsRain Nigeria reports that Lere Olayinka, media aide to Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says his principal did not approve a N750 million permit fee for the erection of 2027 presidential campaign billboards in Abuja.

Recall that social media, particularly X, has been awash with claims by different Nigerians and bloggers, as seen here, here, here and here, alleging that the FCT minister approved the fee to increase the cost of political advertising in the nation’s capital.

The reports claimed that every presidential campaign organisation intending to erect billboards in Abuja would be required to pay a N750 million permit fee to obtain approval from the relevant FCT authorities.

They further claimed that a N5 million penalty would be imposed on any individual, political party or campaign organisation that erects campaign billboards without the necessary approval.

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Olayinka dismissed the report, describing it as the kind of political propaganda common during election seasons.

“If the FCT Minister will do such, won’t there be a press statement officially?” he queried.

“(It’s) normal things in politics and you know most people won’t check.”

The speculations follow an earlier move by the Abia and Anambra state governments, which recently announced permit fees ranging from N50 million to N200 million for erecting campaign billboards ahead of the general election.

On Thursday, the Abia government said presidential candidates seeking to campaign in the state using billboards and posters will pay N200 million to obtain a political campaign advertising permit.

Under the new rates, governorship candidates will pay N150 million, senatorial candidates N100 million, while candidates for the House of Representatives and state house of assembly will pay N50 million and N20 million, respectively.

On May 30, the Anambra State Signage and Advertising Agency also announced an upward review of permit fees, saying presidential candidates will pay N50 million, while senatorial candidates will be charged N20 million for outdoor campaign activities.

Under the arrangement, House of Representatives candidates will pay N5 million, House of Assembly candidates N1.5 million, local government chairmanship candidates N2.5 million, while councillorship candidates will pay N100,000 before being allowed to campaign in the state.