The Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ENSSAA) has announced a mandatory ₦150 million permit for political parties and candidates wishing to conduct advertising campaigns ahead of the 2026 local government and 2027 general elections.
The move addresses concerns over unregulated campaign materials, including posters, banners, branded vehicles, and handbills, which have previously contributed to visual pollution and damage to public property.
ENSSAA requires that all campaign advertisements be handled through licensed practitioners approved by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), in accordance with the agency’s statutory mandate.
General Manager Francis Aninwike, who announced the development during a management meeting on Monday, said the initiative aims to regulate election publicity and ensure compliance with state advertising guidelines.
He emphasized that the permit grants parties the right to deploy campaign materials, conduct rallies, and carry out street campaigns, while non-compliance could result in removal of materials and legal sanctions.
“Every political party and candidate must obtain a campaign permit from ENSSAA before deploying any form of visual campaign or outdoor promotional materials. The statutory fee for the permit is ₦150 million, payable to the Enugu State Government account,” Aninwike said.
He further assured that the guidelines apply uniformly to all candidates, including incumbents, noting that Governor Peter Mbah has consistently adhered to state advertising regulations in his official activities. The ENSSAA boss also cautioned supporters against defacing opponents’ campaign materials, describing such acts as undemocratic and punishable under the law.
ENSSAA stressed that the initiative aims to promote professionalism in political advertising, protect public property, and prevent disorderly campaign practices ahead of the elections.
It further encouraged all political actors and campaign teams to comply with the guidelines to ensure a smooth and legally compliant electioneering period.
