The long-standing legal tussle over the right to collect revenue from signposts and outdoor advertising in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has taken a new turn, with the Area Council issuing a definitive warning to the public to desist from making payments to the FCT’s Department of Outdoor Advertising and Signage (DOAS).
In a comprehensive statement released today, by Kingsley Madaki Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to the Executive Chairman AMAC Hon Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, asserted that recent court rulings have unequivocally affirmed its constitutional authority to regulate and collect revenue from all such advertising units within its jurisdiction.
Judicial Backing for AMAC
The Area Council emphasized that the authority to control Signposts (Hoardings) and Outdoor Advertising, and collect associated rates and permits, is legally entrusted to the AMAC Signpost Unit, not DOAS.
“The public are hereby informed that the Court has clearly defined the Constitution Provision that entrusted the Regulations and Control of SIGNPOST (HOARDING) AND OUTDOOR ADVERTISING and its payments for the Rates and Permit therein should be to AMAC SIGNPOST UNIT not DOAS,” the statement read.
AMAC specifically cited a recent ruling delivered by the Presiding Judge, His Worship, Sunday A. A. Adukwu, of the FCT Magistrate Court on November 27, 2025, as the latest judgment affirming the council’s constitutional role.
Warning Against DOAS Payments
The Council’s statement serves as a clear caution to businesses and advertising practitioners, advising them to avoid any dealing with the rival FCT Department.
“The Public are hereby advised to ignore the Consultant and Staff of DOAS who may parade themselves as working for AMAC or AMMC because there are several Court Judgements that affirmed the AMAC constitutional role,” the council warned.
AMAC stressed that as a law-abiding tier of government, it respects the Judiciary’s interpretation of the constitution.
Therefore, any payment made to DOAS for signpost or outdoor advertising permits within AMAC’s area would be deemed invalid.
Compliance and Enforcement Threat
The AMAC authorities are now demanding immediate compliance from all advertising users.
“Hence; We expect the outdoor Advertising Users in AMAC to Comply with Our Demand Notices for 2025; 2026 and forward to avoid enforcement of AMAC BYE-LAW,” the council declared.
This final clause signals the AMAC Signpost Unit’s intention to begin rigorous enforcement actions against defaulters who fail to pay their outstanding and current rates directly to the Area Council, potentially leading to the sealing of businesses or removal of non-compliant signages.
The move is expected to escalate the inter-governmental revenue dispute within the FCT
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