ARCON condemns Ondo, Enugu directives requiring review of political, gaming ads before exposure
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The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has condemned the directives issued by the Ondo and Enugu signage and advertising agencies requiring review of certain categories of advertisements.
In a statement dated February 13, Olalekan Fadolapo, director-general of ARCON, said the council’s attention was drawn to the directives mandating practitioners, advertisers, and agencies involved in out-of-home advertising in Ondo and Enugu to submit political, gaming, lottery, and brand advertisements for vetting before exposure.
ARCON said such directives are “illegal, unconstitutional, and beyond the lawful powers of any state-level regulatory body”.“Advertising in Nigeria is established as a professional occupation in line with item 49 of the Exclusive Legislative List in the Second Schedule of the Constitution and also as trade and commerce, in line with item 62 of the Exclusive Legislative List in the Second Schedule of the Constitution,” the statement reads.
“It is the singular responsibility of the National Assembly to enact laws in this regard. The National Assembly enacted the ARCON Acts 23 of 2023 and reserve the power to regulate advertising to ARCON.
“Kindly note that State Signage and Advertising Agencies’ laws are alien to the Nigerian Constitution, and such power does not fall within the legislative remit of a state.“It is not within a State Advertising and/or Signage Agency’s jurisdiction to request for, receive or approve any advertisement (political or otherwise] before exposure. This act is illegal and unconstitutional.”With the 2027 general election approaching, ARCON urged state signage agencies to “tread with caution” and desist from directives that could usurp the oversight responsibility of the federal government or create bottlenecks.
“ARCON will seek and collaborate with State Signage Agencies in ensuring a peaceful electioneering and voters’ education devoid of partisan and guerrilla policies,” the council said.
ARCON also said the its statement became necessary to address what it described as “misconceptions and misinformation” among stakeholders and members of the public over the implications of the directives for free and fair elections.
