ARCON cautions states signage and advertising agencies over illegal vetting directives
The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has described as illegal the directives by some states Signage and Advertising Agencies on submission and vetting of political and other advertising before exposure.
Some states Signage and Advertising Agencies, particularly Ondo and Enugu States had in a letter directed practitioners, advertisers and advertising agencies involved in Out-of-Home advertising to submit some categories of advertisement i.e. political, gaming, lottery and brand advertisements before exposure.
A move ARCON said is unlawful and ultra vires the powers of a state advertising and/or signage regulatory agency.
According to a post made available to the media, ARCON said: “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. 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.
“As we approach the 2027 general elections campaign and voters’ education, we enjoin State Signage Agencies to tread with caution and desist from directives that can usurp the oversight responsibility of the federal government, as well as create bottlenecks.
“ARCON will seek and collaborate with State Signage Agencies in ensuring a peaceful electioneering and voters’ education devoid of partisan and guerilla policies.
“This advertorial is necessary to address the misconceptions and misinformation among stakeholders and the public who have raised genuine concerns about the illegal directives and their implications for free and fair elections,” the statement signed by Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, Director-General, ARCON concluded.
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