By Milcah Tanimu
The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) has raised concerns over the absence of a governing council for the advertising profession. It argues that the lack of an independent professional body weakens industry structure.
ADVAN President Osamede Uwubanmwen criticized the Advertisers Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) for failing to separate professional governance from regulation.
“We are the only industry where both bodies share the same address,” he said. He noted that banking and law have separate councils overseeing professional standards.
Uwubanmwen also pointed out that ARCON has lacked a governing council since its 2022 establishment. He described this as illegal, stating that the law mandates a council.
ADVAN is challenging ARCON in court, questioning its authority without a governing council. “If the National Assembly created a council and it hasn’t been set up for three years, does ARCON have the right to operate?” Uwubanmwen asked.
ARCON Director-General Olalekan Fadolapo dismissed ADVAN’s claims, saying the issue is in court and cannot be publicly debated. He also noted that ADVAN had not formally submitted complaints.
As the legal battle unfolds, experts continue to debate the need for structural reforms in Nigeria’s advertising sector.
