HASG Supports ARCON Council Formation, Calls for Dialogue Over Industry Concerns
The Heads of Advertising Sectoral Groups (HASG), Nigeria’s umbrella organisation representing the advertising industry, has issued a call for renewed industry dialogue following recent exchanges concerning the operations of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and the Industry Standard of Practice (AISOP).
In a statement, HASG expressed its support for the government’s move to establish the ARCON Council, emphasising that “a properly constituted Council, as provided by law, strengthens governance, enhances accountability, and ensures balanced oversight of the regulator’s activities.” The organisation stated that “the activation of the Council is in the best interest of both the regulator and the regulated, and will help reinforce transparency and institutional credibility within the industry.”
Addressing concerns over AISOP, HASG affirmed that “the Advertising Industry Standard of Practice remains beneficial to the long-term health and sustainability of the sector.” It added, “While implementation challenges may arise in any regulatory framework, such issues are best addressed through structured engagement and constructive negotiation rather than disengagement.”
The organisation reiterated the importance of stakeholder collaboration, emphasising that Nigeria’s advertising industry “thrives when all stakeholders — advertisers, agencies, media owners, regulators, and allied bodies — work collaboratively.” HASG called on the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) to “return to the HASG forum in the spirit of partnership and collective problem-solving.”
In a move to promote peace and industry cohesion, HASG announced it will be engaging separately with the leadership of both ADVAN and ARCON in consultative meetings. “Our aim is to address concerns, identify areas of common ground, and work towards a sustainable resolution of the issues currently facing the industry,” the statement read.
The organisation underscored that “this situation is not a contest between regulator and advertisers but an opportunity to strengthen governance, refine processes, and reinforce trust across the ecosystem.” It further asserted that “regulation and growth are not mutually exclusive; they must coexist to ensure a stable, competitive, and investment-friendly advertising environment.”
Highlighting the sector’s importance, HASG noted that Nigeria’s advertising and creative industries “support enterprise, drive consumer engagement, generate employment, and project the nation’s image,” emphasising that “the industry is too important to be weakened by division.”
Concluding, HASG reaffirmed its commitment to “support lawful and accountable regulation, encourage continuous improvement in policy implementation, and promote open dialogue among all stakeholders.” The organisation emphasised that “the path forward lies in conversation, collaboration, and collective responsibility,” adding that “the industry must move forward—together.”
Signed by representatives of AAAN, OAAN, EXMAN, MIPAN, and BON, the statement underscores a unified call for industry unity and constructive engagement to foster growth and stability.