The Benue state government has given operators of unauthorised billboards across the state a two-week ultimatum to regularise their structures or face removal.
The ultimatum was issued by the Benue State Signage and Advertisement Agency, the Benue State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) and the Urban Development Board in a joint notice on Tuesday.
The agencies expressed concern over the arbitrary erection of billboards by individuals, groups and political parties without obtaining the necessary permits and approvals.
According to the government, many of the billboards were erected without permits from the Signage and Advertisement Agency, clearance from the Urban Development Board or payment of prescribed fees.
It said the practice violated the law, deprived the state of legitimate revenue and posed risks to public safety, while also undermining orderly urban development.
The government, however, said it was prepared to assume that some of the affected individuals and organisations might have acted out of ignorance rather than deliberate disregard for the law.
Consequently, it granted a two-week grace period beginning Tuesday, October 6, for owners and operators of unauthorised billboards to regularise their structures.
The affected operators were directed to approach the Benue State Signage and Advertisement Agency to commence the permit process, obtain clearance from the Urban Development Board and pay all required fees.
The government warned that enforcement would commence on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, with enforcement teams expected to remove all billboards that have not been regularised.
It stressed that the cost of removing any unauthorised billboard would be borne by its owner or operator.
The government further warned that no additional notice would be issued before enforcement, saying the exercise would apply to all affected persons and organisations regardless of their status, political affiliation or party.
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Chief Solomon Iorpev, described the grace period as an expression of the government’s goodwill and preference for compliance over confrontation.
He urged all owners and operators of unauthorised billboards to take advantage of the window to comply with the relevant regulations.
For further clarification and necessary action, the government directed affected persons to contact 09034345007.