ARCON Warns Agencies, Media Against Unapproved Adverts

The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has cautioned media owners and advertising agencies against the use of provocative, offensive, and non-vetted adverts.

The director-general of ARCON, Olalejan Fadolapo stated this in a statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday.

Fadolapo said the council noted with concern, a series of advertisements displayed during the Easter celebration by media and advertising organisation

He said the adverts were offensive and incendiary, adding that they were neither submitted nor reviewed by the advertising standards panel in accordance with the provisions of sections 53(1) of ARCON Act no. 23 of 2022.

A number of advertisements were observed during the Easter celebration by the council to be unpleasant and demeaning to the Christian faith,” he said.

“The council will take necessary action to ensure that the rights, sensitivities, and religious beliefs of any sect or group of people are not ridiculed, disparaged, or exploited for commercial gains or otherwise.

“Advertisers, advertisement agencies, and the media as well as its owners are strongly advised to desist from exposing any form of advertisement without obtaining the prior approval of the standard panel.”

Fadolapo warned that violators would be penalised in accordance with the law.