Adamawa Bans Posters on All Public Structures Statewide, Warns Defaulters

Adamawa Bans Posters on All Public Structures Statewide

The Adamawa State Government has issued a sweeping ban on posters, handbills, and other unauthorized materials on all public structures across its 21 local government areas. This includes schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, and even street corners.

This directive, coming from the State Executive Council, may sound like a cleanliness drive, but it’s stirring conversations that go well beyond sanitation. The order applies to everyone—politicians, religious groups, civil servants, marketers, and even government agencies.

According to the government, the aim is to promote a cleaner and healthier environment. But as with most bans in Nigeria, especially in a politically active state like Adamawa, eyebrows are raised and questions are flying.

Hon. Illiya James, Commissioner for Information, made the case clear. He said the policy is not politically motivated but strictly administrative. “No one is exempted,” he told a Legit correspondent. “Whether you’re a politician, a civil servant, or a member of a religious body, the rule applies to you. Public structures are not billboards.”

He backed his claim with a moral proverb: “Cleanliness is next to godliness. Charity begins at home. That’s why we are starting with public property.”

Now, here’s where things get interesting.

Critics argue that this policy could be a silent move to frustrate opposition parties and civil movements ahead of political activities. But Hon. James insists it’s purely about public hygiene and civic discipline.

To enforce the order, the government has set up zonal monitoring teams. These teams are expected to work alongside the police and other security agencies. Anyone caught violating the rule will face legal consequences. “There will be no sacred cows,” the Commissioner said firmly.

But what about those who genuinely want to publicize their events or campaigns?

The government claims it’s offering alternatives. Citizens can apply to their local government councils or designated authorities for approval to post in specific spaces set aside for such purposes.

“We are not stifling publicity,” Hon. James explained. “We are simply insisting that people do it responsibly, legally, and without defacing public property.”

Still, one can’t ignore the underlying politics here. It’s election season. Campaigns are brewing. Candidates are printing posters by the thousands. With this ban, the traditional mode of public campaign—street posters and banners—just got a red card. The timing is, at best, curious.

People in rural communities, where posters are often the only way of communicating political messages, might feel the impact harder. The Information Commissioner says they’ve got that covered. He mentioned plans to partner with radio stations, TV outlets, community leaders, and even religious heads to ensure everyone understands the new law.

But enforcement is always the devil in the details. Will the elite comply? Will the government’s own agencies follow the rule? Or will it end up as another policy applied only to the powerless?

Hon. James believes enforcement won’t be selective. “We’ve informed the police command. We’ve deployed zonal officers. Everyone has been warned.”

When asked about those accusing the government of using this as a tool to silence opposition or activists, the Commissioner was blunt: “If you love cleanliness, you’ll support this. Only critics want to blindfold the public from seeing the benefit.”

His advice to politicians? “Follow the legal process. Ask your local government chairman for a space. Get approval. Then paste your posters. It’s that simple.”

And in theory, it is that simple.

But this is Nigeria, where theory and reality often quarrel.

In a state trying to present itself as progressive, clean, and lawful, this order could either be a game changer or a gimmick. It could teach people to be more responsible or simply frustrate those without connections.

For now, all eyes will be on the street corners, schools, and hospital walls of Adamawa. If the government means business, those walls should stay poster-free.

And if not?

Well, by the next campaign season, we’ll know who’s really sticking to the law—and who’s just sticking posters in the dark.