Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has defended the high cost of billboard advertising in Abuja, stating that political campaigns are expensive globally. Speaking on Thursday during his monthly media chat in Port Harcourt, Wike addressed growing criticism regarding the pricing of media access as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The minister’s comments come in response to allegations from several opposition parties, who claim they cannot afford the high price tags for billboards. These parties have argued that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dominated major cities across the country, limiting their ability to reach voters through traditional communication media.
Wike rejected the notion that the price increases were a deliberate targeted attack against any specific political group. “Politics is expensive all over the world,” he said, urging political parties to utilize their existing social media platforms for campaigning instead.
Addressing the revenue implications for the Federal Capital Territory, Wike explained that the government relies on billboard fees to generate funds. “We want money. The FCT wants money, and part of us making money is through the billboards to raise our revenue,” he stated.
He further noted that authorities adjust pricing based on anticipated demand, adding, “If we know that in a given time, people will rush the billboard and authorities feel that we will raise the funds to make more money.”
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
