The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has reinforced the need for strict adherence to advertising standards, requiring all advertisements to undergo pre-approval to meet ethical and public standards before they are released.
Speaking at a webinar titled “Advertisement in the Digital Space: What Corporate Nigeria Should Know,” hosted by the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association, ARCON’s Director-General, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, highlighted the council’s efforts to curb unethical practices in Nigeria’s digital media that may harm the public.
Fadolapo stressed that all marketing communications in Nigeria must be vetted by the Advertising Standards Panel, with only a few exceptions, including job vacancies, obituaries, and financial statements. He noted that even goodwill messages now require vetting, following past incidents where brands inadvertently released content with potentially offensive religious themes.
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“We are dedicated to ensuring that no communication disrespects any religion or culture,” Fadolapo emphasized, underscoring the importance of maintaining social harmony through responsible advertising.
He also expressed concern over unethical practices in digital and social media spaces, describing the levels of misconduct as “unimaginable.” ARCON has responded by activating its advertising tribunal to handle violations and enforce compliance across platforms.
Moreover, Dr. Fadolapo pointed out that Nigeria’s advertising standards strictly prohibit comparison ads and the objectification of women, ensuring advertisements remain truthful, respectful, and culturally sensitive.
“This renewed focus on compliance is central to ARCON’s broader mission to safeguard consumer interests, uphold advertising integrity, and foster a responsible advertising environment across Nigeria,” Fadolapo concluded.
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