The absence of a governing council for the advertising profession in Nigeria has raised concerns within the industry. The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) highlighted the need for an independent council separate from the regulatory body to enhance professional governance. ADVAN President, Osamede Uwubanmwen, criticized the current structure where the Advertisers Regulatory Council of Nigeria combines regulatory and professional governance functions under one entity.
Uwubanmwen emphasized the importance of having separate councils for professional development and enforcement, citing examples from other professions like banking, pharmacy, and law. He argued that the advertising industry should follow a similar model to ensure effective regulation and professional growth.
The transition of the former Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria into ARCON in 2022 was intended to provide a more structured regulatory framework. However, ADVAN expressed reservations about certain provisions in the ARCON Act 2022, including the definition of advertising terms and the absence of a governing council since its establishment.
Uwubanmwen criticized the lack of a governing council for ARCON, calling it illegal and highlighting the need for industry representation in decision-making processes. He noted that the Minister of Information should have oversight but not sole control over ARCON, emphasizing the importance of an independent council with diverse industry representation.
ADVAN has taken legal action to challenge ARCON’s operation without a governing council, seeking clarification on the legality of the situation. In response, ARCON Director-General Olalekan Fadolapo stated that the matter is sub judice due to the ongoing court case and emphasized the need for formal communication of grievances rather than public statements.
Fadolapo mentioned that industry sector groups had engaged with ADVAN to address concerns and encouraged formal submission of grievances for discussions. While the issue remains unresolved, the conversation around establishing a separate professional body for advertisers continues within the industry.