Opposition political parties and candidates in Lagos State have raised concerns over the high cost of political advertising, urging the Lagos State Government and relevant regulatory agencies to review the fees charged for campaign billboards and other outdoor advertisements.

The parties argued that the rising cost of securing permits and displaying campaign materials was creating an uneven playing field ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly for candidates and smaller parties without substantial financial resources. They maintained that access to public spaces for political communication should not be limited to wealthy candidates and established political parties.

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The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) reviewed its rates in February 2026. Checks showed that billboard charges vary depending on the size, location, type and duration of the advertisement, with some locations attracting fees of up to ₦4.9 million, particularly around the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Political billboard adverts in Lagos generally range from about ₦500,000 to over ₦5 million per month, while LASAA also charges a non-refundable ₦500,000 application fee for outdoor billboard advertisements exceeding 15 square metres.

As campaigns for the National Assembly and presidential elections commenced, checks reportedly showed that many opposition candidates had yet to erect campaign billboards across Lagos, with party members linking the situation to the high advertising costs.

A former Chairman of the National Conscience Party (NCP), Comrade Bayo Ogunleye, described the situation as unfortunate, arguing that political parties should be able to challenge policies that prevent them from accessing public spaces for campaign purposes.

“It is a pity we are having this kind of situation. Assuming my party, NCP, is on the ballot, we would have contested this. We would have challenged them that, no, I want to do my advert and I don’t have one naira to pay. We can then go to court. The present political parties are the same, they cannot challenge,” he said.

The opposition groups called on the Lagos State Government and LASAA to introduce a more affordable and inclusive framework for political advertising, warning that excessive charges could further widen the financial gap between major parties and less-funded political movements.