…Stakeholders negotiate lower levies as parties seek affordable rates ahead of elections
By Amodu Ojochogu Gloria
The Kogi State Signage and Advertisement Agency (KOSSAA) has given political parties a two-week deadline to comply with its outdoor political campaign advertising guidelines, warning that enforcement measures may follow against defaulters.
The agency announced the deadline at a stakeholders’ meeting held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Lokoja, where political parties and relevant government agencies deliberated on campaign advertising regulations and proposed levies.
The meeting was aimed at promoting compliance, transparency and fairness in outdoor political advertising while ensuring that campaign materials are displayed in accordance with the state’s regulatory framework.
Speaking at the meeting, KOSSAA General Manager, Hon. Osaseyi Richard, said the engagement was designed to provide a platform for dialogue with political parties, harmonise positions on advertising levies and encourage compliance with laws governing outdoor advertisements in the state.
He explained that the agency regulates outdoor advertising, including political, religious, commercial and other promotional displays.
Osaseyi stressed the need for cooperation between KOSSAA and political parties to establish an orderly and transparent advertising system. He also expressed appreciation to the Kogi State Government for establishing the agency to strengthen the management and regulation of outdoor advertisements.
Addressing participants, the Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS), Dr. Sule Salihu Enehe, represented by the Director of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Hajiya Hassanat Salawu, commended KOSSAA for convening the meeting.
She described the engagement as particularly important ahead of the electioneering period, noting that political parties must operate within the established regulatory framework to promote fairness, accountability and orderliness.
She urged parties to cooperate with the agency and comply with relevant legal provisions guiding outdoor political advertisements.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Awulu Tijani David, also described the meeting as timely.
Fanwo commended KOSSAA for bringing stakeholders together to discuss the guidelines, noting that political advertising remained an important component of democratic participation through which parties communicate their policies, programmes and activities to the public.
He, however, maintained that political communication must be conducted responsibly, lawfully and transparently, with due regard for citizens’ rights and applicable regulations.
The commissioner urged political parties and other stakeholders to embrace constructive engagement and comply with the guidelines to ensure peaceful and orderly campaigns across the state.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the Kogi State Town Planning and Development Board, Town Planner Abdullahi Abocheyina Yusuf, pledged the board’s support for KOSSAA in promoting orderly outdoor advertising practices.
He said collaboration between the two agencies would strengthen environmental protection, public safety, regulatory compliance and proper planning in the placement of political campaign advertisements.
Yusuf emphasised that political rights must be exercised alongside the responsibility to protect public infrastructure, preserve the appearance of towns and cities and safeguard residents.
He added that effective regulation would help prevent indiscriminate billboard placement and promote a well-organised physical environment.
Political parties seek reduction in advertising levies
A major issue at the meeting was the cost of outdoor political campaign advertising, with party representatives appealing for a review of the proposed levies.
The initial figures presented to stakeholders were ₦150 million for presidential candidates, ₦50 million for senatorial candidates, ₦30 million for House of Representatives candidates, ₦5 million for House of Assembly candidates, ₦2 million for chairmanship candidates and ₦300,000 for councillorship candidates.
In response, political party representatives proposed a revised structure of ₦25 million for presidential candidates, ₦20 million for senatorial candidates, ₦10 million for House of Representatives candidates, ₦1.5 million for House of Assembly candidates, ₦1 million for chairmanship candidates and ₦300,000 for councillorship candidates.
The proposed adjustments formed part of discussions aimed at reaching a common understanding on the applicable charges and addressing concerns raised by political parties over affordability.
The revised figures were presented as proposals during the stakeholders’ deliberations and should not be regarded as formally approved rates unless subsequently adopted by the relevant authorities.
KOSSAA warns against non-compliance
Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, Osaseyi said outdoor political advertisements were not merely instruments of political communication but physical installations capable of affecting both urban and rural environments.
He explained that their placement and management must take into account environmental standards, public safety, existing infrastructure and relevant regulatory requirements.
The KOSSAA boss consequently gave political parties two weeks to comply with the agency’s applicable outdoor advertising requirements, warning that enforcement measures could be taken against those who failed to meet the stipulated conditions.
He reiterated the agency’s commitment to working with political parties, government institutions and other stakeholders to ensure that political campaign advertisements were displayed in an orderly, transparent and responsible manner.
The meeting marks part of KOSSAA’s efforts to strengthen stakeholder cooperation, improve compliance with outdoor advertising regulations and establish a coordinated framework for political campaign advertisements across Kogi State.
