The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, dismissed the claim in a statement on Sunday, maintaining that the state government neither owns nor manages billboards across Lagos.
Reacting to a social media post alleging the increase, Omotoso accused those behind the report of attempting to discredit the government.
“This is a lie; a piece of fake news meant to tarnish the image of the government by mischievous politicians and their social media bullies. They should be ignored and allowed to swim in their ignorance,” he said.
According to him, the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency, LASAA, is responsible for regulating the sector and does not own or operate billboards or fix the commercial rates charged by their operators.
Omotoso further said the state remained committed to ensuring a level playing field for political parties and candidates, while urging advertisers to observe existing regulations.
In a separate statement, LASAA clarified that all billboard advertisements, including political campaign messages, must be placed on approved structures managed by registered outdoor advertising practitioners with valid permits.
The agency said the structures were required to comply with regulations covering their locations, structural safety and environmental standards.
It added that regulatory charges payable by billboard owners were determined by the size, format and location of the advertising structures, with applicable rates varying across designated zones.
LASAA also disclosed that individuals or companies seeking to operate as outdoor advertising practitioners in Lagos must pay a one-time, non-refundable registration fee of N7 million, register with the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, ARCON, and meet other statutory conditions.
The agency stressed that its statutory permit charges were distinct from commercial expenses for media placement, production and other advertising services provided by registered outdoor advertising operators.
It said it had recently organised public sensitisation on election campaign advertising guidelines to familiarise political parties, candidates, practitioners and members of the public with the rules governing outdoor campaign materials.
LASAA reiterated that its responsibilities included regulating outdoor advertising, issuing permits and enforcing compliance with relevant laws.
It assured residents that it would ensure all campaign advertisements placed outdoors complied with the stipulated requirements.
The agency further promised to remove election campaign materials after political activities without charging the public, as part of efforts to restore and maintain the visual appeal of the city.
