In response to the surge in misleading information and baseless claims pervading the advertising landscape, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has issued a stern warning to industry stakeholders, including OAPs, Skit Makers, Influencers, and Brand Owners.
The regulatory body emphasizes the importance of adhering to the ARCON Act and vows to sanction offenders who engage in practices that undermine consumer trust and integrity.
Dr. Olaleken Fadolapo, Director General of ARCON, highlighted the detrimental effects of misinformation, exaggeration, and unverified promises on consumer savings, investments, and public health. The agency stresses the necessity for all advertisements targeted at the Nigerian market to align with the Nigerian Code of Advertising and ARCON’s regulations.
“This is to reiterate that all advertisements and advertising in Nigeria or targeted at the Nigerian market must align and conform with the Nigerian Code of Advertising and other pronouncement of ARCON in line with the ARCON Act. Continued abuse of the advertising space by some stakeholders will no longer be tolerated as this has negative effect on the economy in particular and to the citizenry at large”.
ARCON emphasizes that continued abuse of advertising platforms will not be tolerated, as it adversely impacts the economy and the well-being of citizens. The regulatory body warns that it will prosecute any individual or corporate entity found responsible for sponsoring, creating, or exposing unapproved advertisements without the requisite approval from the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP).
In light of these developments, ARCON urges industry stakeholders to uphold ethical standards and ensure that advertising content is truthful, substantiated, and compliant with regulatory guidelines. Failure to comply with these standards will result in severe consequences for violators, as ARCON remains committed to safeguarding consumer interests and maintaining the integrity of the advertising industry in Nigeria.
