However, Wike dismissed suggestions that the increased costs target opposition parties.
He said political parties could also use social media platforms to reach voters and promote their candidates.
“Politics is expensive all over the world,” Wike said.
The minister also defended the charges, explaining that billboard advertisements generate revenue for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“We want money. The FCT wants money, and part of us making money is through the billboards to raise our revenue,” he said.
Wike added that authorities expected increased demand for billboard spaces during election periods. He said they could use the opportunity to generate more revenue.
“If we know that in a given time, people will rush the billboard and authorities feel that we will raise the funds to make more money,” he said.
His comments come as political parties prepare for the 2027 elections, with concerns over campaign costs and access to advertising platforms featuring in the political debate.
The opposition parties have argued that expensive billboard advertisements could limit their ability to communicate campaign messages to voters.
Wike, however, maintained that political parties could explore other communication channels, including social media.
