ARCON Vows to Sanction Violators of Offensive Adverts

The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has disclosed that it will take necessary actions to ensure that the rights, sensitivities and religious beliefs of any sect, or group of people are not ridiculed, disparaged, or exploited for commercial gains or otherwise, adding that it will sanction violators of offensive adverts.

ARCON made the plead as response to some offensive adverts ran during the Easter celebration which has led to condemnation from citizens and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). Specifically, Peak Milk.
advert was the bone of contention but the brand has since issued a public apology to Christians and CAN.

ARCON in a statement signed by the
Director-General, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo said “The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) noted with concern, the series of advertisements exposed during the recent Easter celebration by advertisers, media owners (traditional and online) and advertising agencies.

“The advertisements were not only provocative, insensitive, offensive, incendiary but were also not submitted nor vetted by the Advertising Standards Panel in accordance with the provisions of section 53(1) of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act No.23 of 2022.”

ARCON stated that some offensive advert demeaning to the Christian faith were exposed during Easter and urged brands to the approval of the Standards Panel before exposure of any advert

“A number of advertisements were observed during the Easter Celebration by the Council to be unpleasant, and demeaning to the Christian faith.
The Council will take necessary actions to ensure that the rights, sensitivities and religious beliefs of any sect, or group of people are not ridiculed, disparaged, or exploited for commercial gains or otherwise.

“Advertisers, advertisement agencies, and the media/media owners are strongly advised to desist from exposing any form of advertisement without obtaining the prior approval of the Standards Panel. Violators will be sanctioned in accordance with the law,” the statement reads.