By Emem Nsini-Godwin
Political parties seeking to campaign for their presidential candidates in Abia State ahead of the 2027 general elections will now pay N200 million for billboard and poster advertising under a new outdoor advertising fee schedule introduced by the state government.
The rates, unveiled on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, by the Abia State Structures for Signages and Advertising Agency (ABSSAA) at a stakeholders’ forum in Aba, also require governorship candidates to pay N150 million, senatorial candidates N100 million, House of Representatives candidates N50 million, and State House of Assembly candidates N20 million.
The forum, themed “Order in Outdoors: Partnership for Safe Campaigns, Sustainable Revenue and A Cleaner Abia,” brought together government officials, political parties and outdoor advertising practitioners.
ABSSAA’s Head of Strategy, Innovation and Design, Ndubuisi Nwaogwugwu, said the fees were approved by the state government and would apply throughout the official election campaign period.
He explained that the charges cover all categories of candidates contesting elections in the state.
The agency also stated that the fee is a one-time payment covering the entire campaign period, adding that House of Assembly candidates unable to pay the full amount may share billboard space with their party’s governorship candidate.
Director-General of the Abia State Strategic Communications Bureau, Sir Onyebuchi Ememanka, defended the policy, saying it was aimed at promoting public safety, protecting the environment and ensuring a well-regulated campaign process.
“It is about protecting lives on our roads, preserving the beauty of our cities and safeguarding the integrity of our democratic process,” he said.
Ememanka assured political parties that the government would not discriminate against any candidate, insisting that equal access to advertising space would be guaranteed for all who comply with the regulations.
ABSSAA also warned that campaign billboards erected without approval or those considered unsafe would be removed.
The agency said the measure was informed by the collapse of a billboard in Aba during a rainstorm in May 2025, which killed a tricycle operator and injured several others.
The new fee regime has already sparked criticism from opposition politicians and stakeholders in the outdoor advertising industry, who argue that the charges could place smaller political parties and candidates at a significant disadvantage ahead of the 2027 elections.
