The Abua/Odual Local Government Legislative Assembly in Rivers State has passed a new bye-law regulating outdoor advertising and political campaign signages ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tagged “Outdoor Advertising and Signages Regulation Bye-Law, 2026,” the legislation introduces permit fees for political parties, candidates and campaign organisations seeking to erect billboards, posters, banners and other outdoor campaign materials within the local government area.
Under the new fee structure:
- Presidential Campaign — ₦75 million
- Governorship Campaign — ₦50 million
- Senatorial Campaign — ₦30 million
- House of Representatives — ₦20 million
- Chairmanship — ₦15 million
- House of Assembly — ₦10 million
- Councilorship — ₦1 million
The bye-law is aimed at controlling the indiscriminate posting, pasting, erection and display of political campaign materials while promoting public safety, environmental cleanliness and the protection of public and private property.
The legislation makes it mandatory for political parties, candidates and campaign organisations to obtain a valid council permit before displaying campaign posters, banners, billboards, signages, hoardings or other outdoor advertising materials within Abua/Odual.
The council said the bye-law also provides guidelines on approved and prohibited locations, monitoring and inspection, compliance with permit conditions, removal of unauthorised displays and restoration of damaged property.
According to the lawmakers, the legislation derives its authority from Section 18 of the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 of 2018, alongside the Fourth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers local government councils to regulate outdoor advertising and hoarding.
The council also cited Section 67(1)(c) of the Rivers State Local Government Law, which recognises permits as one of the revenue sources available to local government councils.
The administration of Executive Chairman, Hon. (Engr.) Owolobi Michael Ofori, urged political parties, candidates, campaign agents, supporters, advertising practitioners and contractors to familiarise themselves with the new regulations.
The council warned that all political campaign outdoor advertising within the local government must receive the requisite approval before installation.
It said the measure was part of efforts to maintain a clean, orderly, peaceful and well-regulated Abua/Odual, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
