ARCON charges politicians, agencies, media owners against unapproved advert
The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has called on stakeholders in the political space including advertising agencies and media owners to exercise caution when flighting advertising messages as it is illegal to expose unapproved advert. This is as political campaign activities and voters education have commenced in earnest towards next year’s general election.
ARCON said in a statement on Tuesday that the call became necessary following the activities of some politicians, political parties and support groups that engage in the exposure of unapproved adverts, some of which have been found to violate religious and ethnic guidelines and are against the provision of the Nigerian Code of Advertising.
“Politicians, political parties, advertisement agencies, political support groups and stakeholders are enjoined to exercise caution and ensure that all advertising, advertisement and marketing communication activities are done in alignment with the Nigerian Advertising Law and other relevant extant laws,” the statement reads.
Referencing section 34(3) of the ARCON Act, the statement signed by ARCON DG, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo warned that exposure of unapproved advertisements on the traditional and/or online media platforms without prior approval of the Advertising Standards Panel is an offence.
“All political parties, elective political office aspirants, political campaign organisations, advertisement agencies and media space owners are hereby advised to immediately cease and desist from exposing advertisements without prior approval of the Advertising Standards Panel as required by the ARCON Act.”
ARCON noted that it is collaborating with other relevant law enforcement agencies and will commence a nationwide enforcement exercise to remove all political advertisements for which prior approval was not obtained before exposure.
It concluded that, it will further seek to prosecute any person or body corporate who sponsors, causes to be exposed, exposes or takes benefit of political advertising, advertisement or marketing communication without approval of the Advertising Standards Panel.
Do you have a compelling story to tell? Contact us via our email: espinewsng@gmail.com or call/WhatsApp on 08032519246.
