HASG calls for dialogue in ADVAN, ARCON conflict
The Heads of Advertising Sectoral Groups (HASG), has call called for dialogue in the Advertising Regulatory Council (ARCON) and Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) conflict, even as it reiterates its call for ADVAN to return to the HASG forum.
HASG which stands for Heads of Advertising Sectoral Group, is Nigeria’s umbrella body for the advertising industry.
The group made the call in a statement released on Tuesday, following the recent open letter addressed to the Presidency by ADVAN concerning the operations of ARCON and the Advertising Industry Standard of Practice (AISOP) as well as the rejoinder from the regulatory body, ARCON on the issues.
According to the statement, in the interest of industry stability and national economic growth, HASG wishes to clarify its position:
“HASG unequivocally supports the inauguration of the ARCON Council by the Federal Government. A properly constituted Council, as provided by law, strengthens governance, enhances accountability and ensures balanced oversight of the regulator’s activities. The activation of the Council is in the best interest of both the regulator and the regulated, and will help reinforce transparency and institutional credibility within the industry”.
On AISOP, HASG maintains that “the Advertising Industry Standard of Practice remains beneficial to the long-term health and sustainability of the sector. AISOP was introduced to promote professionalism, standardise industry practice and protect value across the advertising ecosystem. While implementation challenges may arise in any regulatory framework, such issues are best addressed through structured engagement and constructive negotiation rather than disengagement”.
It noted that, “the Nigerian advertising industry thrives when all stakeholders – advertisers, agencies, media owners, regulators and allied bodies-work collaboratively. It is therefore important that industry differences be resolved within established platforms of dialogue. HASG reiterates its call for ADVAN to return to the HASG forum in the spirit of partnership and collective problem-solving.
It further noted that, “in demonstration of its commitment to peace and industry cohesion, HASG will be engaging separately with the leadership of ADVAN and ARCON in consultative meetings aimed at addressing concerns, identifying areas of common ground and working towards a sustainable resolution of the issues currently facing the industry.
“HASG does not view the present situation as a contest between regulator and advertisers. Rather, it sees an opportunity to strengthen governance, refine processes and reinforce trust across the ecosystem. Regulation and growth are not mutually exclusive; they must coexist to ensure a stable, competitive and investment-friendly advertising environment.
“Nigeria’s advertising and creative sector plays a vital role in supporting enterprise, driving consumer engagement, generating employment and projecting the nation’s image. The industry is too important to be weakened by division.
“HASG remains committed to supporting lawful and accountable regulation, encouraging continuous improvement in policy implementation and promoting open dialogue among all stakeholders. The path forward lies in conversation, collaboration and collective responsibility. The industry must move forward—together,” the statement reads.
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