The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has raised serious concerns over a series of unapproved and offensive advertisements released by Bokku Supermarket on social media platforms.
According to the Council, the controversial ads were not vetted or approved by the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP) as required under Nigerian advertising laws. ARCON stated that the materials in question contain ethnically prejudiced and divisive content that denigrates a section of the Nigerian populace, describing them as a direct violation of the Federal Government’s policy on national unity and peaceful coexistence.
In a statement issued by the regulatory body, ARCON noted that the exposure of such content not only breaches ethical advertising standards but also undermines the integrity of the Nigerian marketing communications industry.
“The advertisements in question unlawfully instigate ethnicity and sectional prejudice, bringing a Nigerian ethnic nationality into public contempt and ridicule,” the Council said.
ARCON emphasized that it will take decisive legal and regulatory actions against all parties involved, including the advertisers, agencies, and platform owners that facilitated the exposure of the unapproved materials.
To strengthen compliance, the Council disclosed that a special monitoring and enforcement task force has been deployed to track and clamp down on all unapproved advertisements circulating across digital and traditional media platforms.
The Council further expressed appreciation to Nigerians who have been proactive in reporting advertising violations and urged continued public cooperation.
“We urge the public to support ARCON’s initiatives by reporting any advertisement that appears unethical, deceptive, illegal, or contains unrealistic claims or promises,” the statement added.
ARCON reaffirmed its commitment to upholding ethical standards and fostering a decent, truthful, and consumer-protective advertising environment in Nigeria.
The Council also reminded all stakeholders in the advertising and marketing communications industry to recommit to the principles of truthful, legal, decent, and responsible advertising in line with national regulations.
