The Benue State Signage and Advertisement Agency, the Benue State Internal Revenue Service and the Urban Development Board have expressed concern over the arbitrary erection of billboards across the state by individuals, groups and political parties. These structures have been put up without a permit from the Signage and Advertisement Agency, without clearance from the Urban Development Board, and without payment of the prescribed fees.
The practice breaches the law, deprives the state of legitimate revenue, endangers public safety and undermines the orderly development of towns and cities. The agencies are prepared to assume that many of those responsible acted out of ignorance of the law rather than deliberate defiance.
For this reason, a grace period of two weeks has been granted, beginning Tuesday, 6th October 2026. Within this period, all owners and operators of unauthorised billboards are advised to approach the Benue State Signage and Advertisement Agency to begin the permit process, obtain clearance from the Urban Development Board, and pay all required fees before any billboard is erected or retained.
There will be no further notice before enforcement, which will commence on Tuesday, 20th October 2026. Enforcement teams will begin the removal of every billboard that has not been regularised from that date. Billboards taken down will be at the owners’ cost, and anyone who ignores the window should expect no sympathy and no exception, regardless of status, affiliation or political party.
The government described the grace period as a sign of its goodwill and preference for compliance over confrontation, urging all concerned to make use of it. For further clarification and action, the public has been directed to contact 09034345007. The statement was signed by Hon. Chief Solomon Iorpev, Honourable Commissioner for Information and Orientation.
