As campaigns towards the 2027 general elections gain momentum, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has said it will remove advertising billboards not approved by the agency, while individuals or corporate entities behind the installation of such billboards will be prosecuted.
Giving the warning in a statement signed on Monday by its director-general, Dr Lekan Fadolapo, the country’s top advertising sector regulator added that all campaign posters must be approved by the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP), as stipulated by the country’s Advertising Law, before being displayed to the public.
It expressed concern over the activities of some politicians, political parties, support groups, advertising agencies and media owners, who were engaged in displaying unapproved advertisements, some of which violated religious and ethical guidelines.
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The agency therefore urged all players in the country’s political and advertising sectors to exercise caution and ensure that all advertising, publicity and marketing communications activities are aligned with the country’s Advertising Law and other relevant existing laws.
It warned that the display of unapproved advertisements on traditional and online media platforms without the approval of the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP), constitutes an offense under Article 34 (3) of the ARCON Law No 23 of 2022.
“All political parties, aspirants for elective political offices, political campaign organizations, advertising agencies and media owners are hereby advised to immediately cease and desist from displaying advertisements without prior approval from the ASP as required by the ARCON Law,” the agency added.
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