The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), has said skit makers, social media influencers, and bloggers, among others must get its approval before advertising any product or service online.
This was stated in a public notice issued and signed by its Director-General, Olalekan Fadolapo on Monday.
The Nigerian advertising regulator said this is in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Code of Advertising Practice and the ARCON Act No. 23 of 2022.
It added that anyone caught violating the Act would be sanctioned and prosecuted in a court of law.
ARCON added that enforcing compliance with the Act became imperative following complaints it received regarding unregulated advertisements, advertising, and marketing communications activities of skit makers, comedians, influencers, content creators/producers, bloggers, vloggers, etc on digital/online media platforms.
Explaining the issues with adverts being publicized by the digital influencers, ARCON noted; “Most of the advertisements exposed by this group are not only unethical with unverified claims and misinformation, but also in violation of the Nigerian Code of Advertising Practice.
“By this public notice, brand owners, digital agencies, secondary digital media space owners (i.e. bloggers, vloggers, influencers, comedians, skit makers, etc), and other advertising stakeholders in the digital online media space are advised to obtain pre-exposure approval of all advertisements, advertising, and marketing communications in accordance with the Nigerian Code of Advertising Practice and the ARCON Act No. 23 of 2022.
“ARCON will take all necessary actions including sanctions and prosecution of violators of the provisions of the Act to ensure compliance.”
Nigerian internet users react
@asknaijamoney: “I think it needs to be regulated, some promote Ponzi & products that they themselves won’t use to their fans and the gullible ones fall victim. It has happened multiple times. My only concern abt the policy is, at cost and how fast will your ad get approved.”
@HumphreyFirst: “Gagging coming from another route, we know the targets already”.
@Artismo67: “@mrmacaronii skit really pain dem sha”.
@UchePOkoye: “APC is the most useless political party in Africa. So skit makers are now your problem but you do not want to do anything about the insecurity across the country.”
@SaageMartini: “Those that think they are doing better because the have a job bringing in ?for them and they also are silent or seating on the fence in this election season. Be rest assured that the bad governance will reach us all. Is either us or our love ones.Take responsibility. Vote wisely”.
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