AMAC Affirms Control Over Signpost Revenue, Warns Advertisers

The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has issued a firm warning to advertisers and businesses, urging them to avoid making payments to the Federal Capital Territory’s Department of Outdoor Advertising and Signage (DOAS) for signpost and outdoor advertising permits.

In a statement signed by Kingsley Madaki, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to the AMAC Chairman, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, the council said recent court rulings have reaffirmed its constitutional authority to regulate and collect revenue from outdoor advertising within its jurisdiction.

According to the statement, the power to control signposts, hoardings and outdoor advertising — including the issuance of permits and collection of associated fees — rests solely with the AMAC Signpost Unit, not DOAS.

“The public is hereby informed that the Court has clearly defined the constitutional provision which entrusts the regulation and control of signposts (hoardings) and outdoor advertising, and that payments for related rates and permits should be made to the AMAC Signpost Unit, not DOAS,” the statement read.

AMAC referenced a recent ruling delivered by Presiding Judge His Worship Sunday A. A. Adukwu of the FCT Magistrate Court on November 27, 2025, as the latest legal pronouncement affirming the council’s mandate.

The council further cautioned advertisers to disregard consultants or staff of DOAS presenting themselves as representatives of AMAC or the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), noting that “several court judgments have affirmed AMAC’s constitutional role.”

“We therefore expect outdoor advertising users in AMAC to comply with our demand notices for 2025, 2026, and beyond, to avoid enforcement actions based on AMAC bye-laws,” the statement added.