‘Chartered OOH Media Bill Will Not in Any Way Contradict or Contend with the Current Powers of ARCON’- OAAN President

By Azeez Disu

The President of the Out-of-Home Advertising Association of Nigeria  (OAAN), ‘Sola Akinsiku, has said that the Chartered Out-Of-Home Media Practitioners of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill currently on the floor of the National Assembly will not in any way contradict or contend with the current powers of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) but rather it will enhance its operation and relevance. 

He disclosed this at the 39th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association held in Ibadan, Oyo State recently with the theme “Redefining OOH Media in Nigeria: The Practice, The Business and Value Creation”. He explained that the bill upon being made into law will help to accelerate the growth of the Out-of-Home advertising industry and the entire advertising landscape.

“Let me add at this point that, contrary to postulations in certain quarters, the Bill will not in any way contradict or contend with the current powers of ARCON. It will, indeed help to further enhance the relevance of ARCON, and promote sanity in the Out-of- Home Media sector.”

He pointed out that the nonadvertising aspects of its practice which the bill now seeks to protect include the allocation of sites, environmental standards, engineering standards entry/exit barriers, safety standards, and others.

“The OOH practice in Nigeria stands on two legs. There is the advertising leg which has to do with content. This is effectively managed by ARCON. But, there is also the other leg relating to the platform locations/sites, which directly impacts the environment. This nonadvertising leg has been a cause of worry and challenges to business sustainability over the years.

“With this bill, the advertising aspect of OOH practice which rests in the hands of ARCON is intact and all obligations will continuously be fulfilled,” he said.

He explained further that the bill when passed into law will bring order to the aspect that relates to acquisition and ownership of billboard locations.

“Bill when passed into law will bring order to the aspect that relates to acquisition and ownership of billboard locations. It will remove the ambiguity and inconsistencies currently associated with this aspect of the business.”