The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), has given March 31st, this year, as the deadline for Advertising agencies, presently engaging non-Nigerians, to obtain approval for such employment with the Council.

 

 

The apex regulatory body, in a statement signed by its Director General, Dr. Lekan Fadolapo,  explained  that those affected by the directive are full service, creative, media independent, out-of-home, digital and experiential agencies.

 

 

It described the move as part of the ongoing industry reform, embarked by the regulatory Council, stemming from the need to keep proper record of all non-Nigerians in the employment of those agencies.

 

 

The agency added that, with effect from 1st April, 2024, employments  of non-Nigerians would require  prior approvals of the Council, in line with ARCON proclamation.

 

 

It stated further that applications for engagements of non-Nigerians would include: Evidence of  work permit, obtained from relevant government agencies; Proof of remuneration package and conditions of service as comparable to those offered to Nigerians on the same status and positions; and Proof that such employment would assist in transferring new skills and knowledge to Nigerians; and evidence that such engagement will not affect the employment of Nigerians negatively, among others.

 

 

“Advertising agencies which currently engage non-Nigerians are requested to obtain approval for such employment before 31 March, 2024 for regularisation,” the agency stated.

 

 

While  assuring non-Nigerian advertising professionals, desirous of eking a living in Nigeria, of the readiness of the readiness of the nation’s advertising space to accommodate such desires, ARCON, however, insisted  on the need for such professionals  to  be certified and licensed by the agency, in line with the nation’s advertising laws.