By our Reporter
The Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), has announced the signing into law of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) Bill into law, and the change of name to ARCON.
The identity change coincided with the body’s ban on use of foreign models and voice-over artists on Nigerian advertising materials.
Speaking at a media briefing, ARCON’s Director General Dr Lekan Fadolapo said the new ARCON Act puts the regulatory body in good stead to carry out its duties, since it takes care of gaps in the former APCON Act.
One of such gaps, he said, is the control of new media and online advertisement, which he believed was not taken care of in the APCON act
Fadolapo said although the new Act provides the council with more powers, the agencywould only regulate to enhance inclusive growth.
‘’Stakeholders in the industry should rest assured that we are not regulating to strangulate. All we plan to achieve with these new regulatory powers is to ensure good corporate governance and inclusive growth in the sector,” he added.
Speaking on the ban of foreign models and voice-over artists on the advertising media space from October 1, the ARCON chief described the decision, as in tune with the Federal Government’s policy of developing local talents, and the need to take actions aimed at growing our advertising space.
Fadolapo argued that while those running campaigns would be allowed to conclude such campaigns, even if it exceeds the October 1, 2022 deadline, he however insisted that new advertisements, advertising and marketing communications materials must make use of only Nigerian models and Voice-over artists, as from that date.
“All advertisements, advertising and marketing communications materials are to make use of only Nigerian models and Voice-over artists.