The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has approved a ₦150 million levy for presidential and governorship candidates seeking to display political billboards and posters within Abakaliki, the state capital.
Under the approved rates, candidates contesting National Assembly seats will pay ₦20 million, while those seeking seats in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly will pay ₦5 million.
The resolution was unanimously adopted following a motion of urgent public importance moved by the Deputy Chief Whip and Chairman of the House Committee on Capital City Development, Arinze Lucas Chukwu, who represents Ishielu South Constituency.
Chukwu raised concerns over the indiscriminate placement of political posters and billboards on public buildings, electric poles, streetlights, bridges and fences across Abakaliki. He argued that the practice contributed to environmental pollution and affected the appearance of the capital city.
He also said that multiple agencies collecting billboard fees had created confusion, revenue leakages and cases of double taxation.
As part of the resolution, the Assembly directed the immediate termination of existing contracts and arrangements with private consultants or agents involved in collecting political billboard and poster levies.
The Commissioner for Capital City Development was mandated to take over the enforcement and collection of the fees, designate approved locations for campaign materials and establish a task force to remove unauthorised posters and billboards.
The lawmakers further stipulated that defaulters would pay a penalty of 50 per cent of the applicable levy. The House Committees on Capital City Development, Finance and Environment were directed to monitor implementation and report back within 30 days.
The decision comes as political parties and candidates prepare for the 2027 general elections, with campaign advertising fees in several states attracting public debate over the cost of political participation.
The development was reported by Vanguard and Tribune on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.