Benue Government Issues Stark Warning: Billboards at Risk for Non-Compliance

The Benue State Government has issued a strict two-week ultimatum to all political parties, individuals, and groups operating billboards within the state. They are required to obtain the necessary permits from the Benue State Signage and Advertisement Agency, secure clearance from the Urban Development Board, and pay all prescribed fees for either erecting new billboards or retaining existing ones.

This directive was announced by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Solomon Iorpev, in a statement released on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The government explicitly stated that enforcement of these regulations would commence promptly on October 20, 2026, without any further notice being issued. From this date, enforcement teams will actively begin removing any billboards that have not been properly regularised according to the new mandate.

Commissioner Iorpev clarified that the costs associated with the removal of non-compliant billboards would be borne entirely by their respective owners. He reiterated the government's stance that no additional warnings or notifications would be provided before enforcement actions are taken. This decisive measure follows observations by the Benue State Signage and Advertisement Agency, the Benue State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), and the Urban Development Board regarding the widespread erection of billboards across the state without adherence to the legal requirements for permits, clearances, and fee payments.

The statement underscored the severity of these infractions, stating, "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." It further elaborated on the detrimental effects of such practices, highlighting that they not only "breach the law" but also "deprive the state of legitimate revenue, endanger public safety, and undermine the orderly development of our towns and cities."

To facilitate compliance, Iorpev announced a two-week grace period, which began on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. During this period, all billboard owners and operators of unauthorised structures are strongly advised to approach the Benue State Signage and Advertisement Agency to initiate the permit application process, secure the necessary clearance from the Urban Development Board, and settle all outstanding fees. The government made it clear that it would proceed with full enforcement measures immediately after this grace period concludes.