The Abia State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ABSSAA) has released the schedule of approved political campaign and advertising permit fees, as well as political campaign advertising guidelines for the 2026/2027 election period.
The advertising permit fees and guidelines were released to the public by the Abia State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ABSSAA) during its 2026 annual stakeholders’ engagement forum, themed: “order in outdoor: partnership for safe campaigns, sustainable revenue and a cleaner Abia 2026”.
The HOD strategy, innovation and design of ABSSAA, Ndubuisi Nwaogwugwu said that these guidelines are issued pursuant to the powers conferred on ABSSAA under its law and other applicable laws of Abia State regulating outdoor advertising, public safety, environmental management and urban aesthetics.
According the document read out by Nwogwugwu, presidential candidates are expected to pay N200,000,000, governorship candidates are to pay N150,000,000, senatorial candidates are to pay N100,000,000, House of Representatives candidates are to pay N50,000,000, while House of Assembly candidates are expected to pay N20,000,000 as permits fees for outdoor advertising during the election period.
The document also explained that the guidelines shall apply to political parties, candidates seeking elective office, campaign organisations, political support groups, advertising agencies, media owners and operators and any person, organisation or body engaged in political advertising activities within Abia.
ABSSAA also explained that the guidelines shall apply to all political advertising activities undertaken between 1st of August 2026 and 31st of March 2027 or such other period as may be recognized by law or approved by the relevant electoral authority.
Explaining the nature of the permit fees, ABSSAA said that the fees shall be payable once by each candidate for the entire campaign period, as nobody will be charged on a per-board, per-site, per-banner, per-screen or per-location basis.
ABSSAA, however, said that the approved permit fees are separate from rental charges, agency fees, production costs, installation costs or maintenance charges payable to media owners, advertising agencies or site operators.
On joint campaign advertising, ABSSAA explained that where a governorship candidate has obtained and paid for a political campaign advertising permit: “House of Assembly candidates of the same political party may participate in campaign advertisements covered by such permit without payment of a separate permit fee.
“The advertisement shall substantially feature The governorship candidate; the image, name, logo, slogan or campaign messages of the governorship candidate shall be prominently displayed.
“Any advertisement solely promoting another candidate without the inclusion of the governorship candidate shall require payment of the applicable permit fee for that category. The governorship candidate shall remain the dominant and principal subject of the advertisement as may be determined by the agency.”
On the available media, ABSSAA equally announced that all payment shall cover, but not limited to billboards, unipoles, led advertising screens, wall drapes, building wraps, street lamp pole banners, transit advertising, posters, directional campaign signage, mobile advertising platforms and any other outdoor advertising medium approved by it.
The agency equally revealed all the prohibited activities, called for environmental responsibilities, and stressed that it will be monitoring compliance throughout the campaign period and equally has the right of enforcement of all relevant laws to ensure compliance
The Chief of Staff to Governor Alex Otti, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, represented by Chief Green Amankwe, Special Adviser to Governor Otti on Investment Promotion and Public Private Partnership said that the theme is both timely and important and reminds everyone that to achieving a well regulated outdoor advertising environment requires collaboration among government, industry operators, political stakeholders, businesses and the public.
He said that outdoor advertising is beyond a means of promotion. He said that it is a powerful communication tool that supports economic growth, generates revenue and shapes the image of the state. He stressed these benefits can only be achieved through responsible regulations, compliance and professionalism.
“As we approach future political and commercial activities, I urge all stakeholders to ensure that public messages promote peace, unity and responsible engagements. There should be no space for misinformation, hate speech or illegal advertising practices that undermine public order or deface our environment.
“Governor Otti’s administration has demonstrated its commitment to urban renewal, environmental cleanliness, transparency and sustainable development. So, we therefore urge operators to embrace innovation, comply with regulatory standards and fulfil their statutory obligation as revenue generation support critical infrastructure and essential services.”
Delivering his keynote address, Director General of the Abia State Strategic Communications Bureau, Sir Onyebuchi Ememanka said that while Abia State Signage Law of 2021 created ABSSAA, the Abia State Law No.09 of 2012 which established Signage Fees is also part of the Agency’s statutory support.
He said that the major highlight of the event, which is the unveiling of the approved schedule of political campaign permit fees and the operational guidelines for the forthcoming electioneering campaigns, is concrete proof of the government’s commitment to order and clarity.
He said that because the rules are published ahead of time, because the fees are published, and because they apply equally to all, no one can claim bias or confusion because the guidelines have been carefully designed.
He said that the guidelines will ensure equal access and public safety, as the same fees, the same standards, and the same timelines are for all parties and candidates, and only approved structures, designated zones, and engineering standards are allowed.
Ememanka added that the guidelines will equally ensure environmental responsibility and transparency in revenue because there are clear timelines for erection and removal to keep Abia clean, as well as a predictable system that benefits the state and respects business.
He urged everyone to realise that the guidelines are not meant to restrict political speech but rather were made to protect it and to protect the public space through which that speech happens.
Mr Chinedum Okpara, Director in charge of Abia State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ABSSAA) during his opening remarks said that beyond regulation and revenue generation, ABSSAA is also entrusted with the responsibility of promoting the image of Abia in collaboration with relevant ministeries, departments and agencies, while thriving beautification initiatives that enhances the visual appeal for Abia cities.
He said that the annual forum has become a valuable tradition, bringing together industry players to engage in consecutive dialogue, strengthen collaboration and promote mutual understanding as partners in progress.
Okpara who said that ABSSAA is currently at the final stage of installing a modern electronic billboard in Umuahia which he stressed represents a major milestone in the modernisation of Abia’s outdoor advertising, stressed that the agency’s objective remains to provide a cleaner, safer and more aesthetically pleasing environment for all residents and visitors.
The Chief of Staff to Governor Alex Otti, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, represented by Chief Green Amankwe, Special Adviser to Governor Otti on Investment Promotion and Public Private Partnership said that the theme is both timely and important and reminds everyone that to achieving a well regulated outdoor advertising environment requires collaboration among government, industry operators, political stakeholders, businesses and the public.
He said that outdoor advertising is beyond a means of promotion. He said that it is a powerful communication tool that supports economic growth, generates revenue and shapes the image of the state. He stressed these benefits can only be achieved through responsible regulations, compliance and professionalism.
“As we approach future political and commercial activities, I urge all stakeholders to ensure that public messages promote peace, unity and responsible engagements. There should be no space for misinformation, hate speech or illegal advertising practices that undermine public order or deface our environment.
“Governor Otti’s administration has demonstrated its commitment to urban renewal, environmental cleanliness, transparency and sustainable development. So, we therefore urge operators to embrace innovation, comply with regulatory standards and fulfil their statutory obligation as revenue generation support critical infrastructure and essential services.”
Delivering his keynote address, Director General of the Abia State Strategic Communications Bureau, Sir Onyebuchi Ememanka said that while Abia State Signage Law of 2021 created ABSSAA, the Abia State Law No.09 of 2012 which established Signage Fees is also part of the Agency’s statutory support.
He said that the major highlight of the event, which is the unveiling of the approved schedule of political campaign permit fees and the operational guidelines for the forthcoming electioneering campaigns, is concrete proof of the government’s commitment to order and clarity.
He said that because the rules are published ahead of time, because the fees are published, and because they apply equally to all, no one can claim bias or confusion because the guidelines have been carefully designed.
He said that the guidelines will ensure equal access and public safety, as the same fees, the same standards, and the same timelines are for all parties and candidates, and only approved structures, designated zones, and engineering standards are allowed.
Ememanka added that the guidelines will equally ensure environmental responsibility and transparency in revenue because there are clear timelines for erection and removal to keep Abia clean, as well as a predictable system that benefits the state and respects business.
He urged everyone to realise that the guidelines are not meant to restrict political speech but rather were made to protect it and to protect the public space through which that speech happens.
Mr Chinedum Okpara, Director in charge of Abia State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ABSSAA) during his opening remarks said that beyond regulation and revenue generation, ABSSAA is also entrusted with the responsibility of promoting the image of Abia in collaboration with relevant ministeries, departments and agencies, while thriving beautification initiatives that enhances the visual appeal for Abia cities.
He said that the annual forum has become a valuable tradition, bringing together industry players to engage in consecutive dialogue, strengthen collaboration and promote mutual understanding as partners in progress.
Okpara who said that ABSSAA is currently at the final stage of installing a modern electronic billboard in Umuahia which he stressed represents a major milestone in the modernisation of Abia’s outdoor advertising, stressed that the agency’s objective remains to provide a cleaner, safer and more aesthetically pleasing environment for all residents and visitors.
Meanwhile, representatives of political parties present during the stakeholder engagement drew the attention of ABSSAA to the permit fees, urging it to consider reduction as well as ensure that whatever is listed out there is backed up by the constitution of the country.
