The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria has raised a red flag on States’ Signage and Advertising Agencies that are issuing directives, letters and publications requesting practitioners, advertisers and advertising agencies involved in out-of-home advertising in their states to submit some categories of advertisements – political, gaming, lottery and brand – before exposure.

The Council specifically mentioned Enugu and Ondo States’ Signage and Advertising Agencies and said such directives, letters and publications were unlawful and ultra vires the powers of a state advertising and/or signage regulatory agency.

In an advertorial, ARCON said it was not within a State Advertising and/or Signage Regulatory Agency’s jurisdiction to request for, receive or approve any advertisement (political or otherwise) before exposure. “This act is illegal and unconstitutional” as “State Signage and Advertising Agencies laws are alien to the Nigerian Constitution and such power does not fall within the legislative remit of a state.”

“As we approach the 2027general elections campaign and voters’ education, we enjoin State Signage Agencies to tread with caution and desist from directives that can usurp the oversight responsibilities pf the federal government, as well as create bottlenecks,’ the council advised.

ARCON assured that it will seek and collaborate with State Signage Agencies in ensuring a peaceful electioneering and voters’ education devoid of partisan and guerilla policies.

The council explained that the advertorial was necessary to address the misconceptions and misinformation among stakeholders and the public who have raised genuine concerns about the illegal directives and their implications for