For the past few months, billboards featuring the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, have become a common sight on many roads in Abuja.
Although the billboards do not suggest that the former Rivers State Governor is seeking any political office, they have been competing for attention with those of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is expected to run for a second term in 2027.
Abuja Metro reports that Wike’s billboards primarily highlight projects he has completed or that are currently underway in the nation’s capital.
Our reporter learned that most of the billboards were erected by politicians and local contractors seeking favor from the minister.
A prominent sponsor is one Suleman Chok, popularly known as “BABS,” whose billboards are located in major districts of Abuja.
Most of his billboards are captioned, “Support Mr. Infrastructure for Re-building Africa’s Fastest Growing Federal Capital,” and showcase some of Wike’s projects in the territory. They can be found in Jahi, Kado, Maitama, Wuse, Garki, on Airport Road, and in Gwarinpa, among other areas.
Suleman Chok, who is from Plateau State but is primarily based in Abuja, is said to be a local contractor and an admirer of the FCT Minister.
Abuja Metro learned that most of the projects displayed on his billboards were not executed by him, even though he may have worked on other projects for the FCT Administration.
Cost of erecting a billboard in Abuja
The Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage (DOAS) coordinates, regulates, and monitors the placement of outdoor advertisements and signage within the Federal Capital City (FCC).
Although the responsibility of determining and collecting payments for such advertisements has been outsourced to various agents, Abuja Metro learned that the price of each billboard depends on its size, location, the message and the duration of the display.
For instance, political campaign and product advertisements are more expensive than those showcasing government projects or social campaigns like immunization.
An official from DOAS, who requested anonymity, told Abuja Metro that prices range from ₦500,000 to over ₦1 million for a six-month period, depending on the location and message.
“For instance, if you are placing 50 billboards for a period of six months, you will be required to pay ₦50 million or ₦25 million, depending on the messages and the location,” the official said.
Although the billboards do not suggest that the former Rivers State Governor is seeking any political office, they have been competing for attention with those of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is expected to run for a second term in 2027.
Abuja Metro reports that Wike’s billboards primarily highlight projects he has completed or that are currently underway in the nation’s capital.
Our reporter learned that most of the billboards were erected by politicians and local contractors seeking favor from the minister.
A prominent sponsor is one Suleman Chok, popularly known as “BABS,” whose billboards are located in major districts of Abuja.
Most of his billboards are captioned, “Support Mr. Infrastructure for Re-building Africa’s Fastest Growing Federal Capital,” and showcase some of Wike’s projects in the territory. They can be found in Jahi, Kado, Maitama, Wuse, Garki, on Airport Road, and in Gwarinpa, among other areas.
Suleman Chok, who is from Plateau State but is primarily based in Abuja, is said to be a local contractor and an admirer of the FCT Minister.
Abuja Metro learned that most of the projects displayed on his billboards were not executed by him, even though he may have worked on other projects for the FCT Administration.
Cost of erecting a billboard in Abuja
The Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage (DOAS) coordinates, regulates, and monitors the placement of outdoor advertisements and signage within the Federal Capital City (FCC).
Although the responsibility of determining and collecting payments for such advertisements has been outsourced to various agents, Abuja Metro learned that the price of each billboard depends on its size, location, the message and the duration of the display.
For instance, political campaign and product advertisements are more expensive than those showcasing government projects or social campaigns like immunization.
An official from DOAS, who requested anonymity, told Abuja Metro that prices range from ₦500,000 to over ₦1 million for a six-month period, depending on the location and message.
“For instance, if you are placing 50 billboards for a period of six months, you will be required to pay ₦50 million or ₦25 million, depending on the messages and the location,” the official said.