DG, ARCON, Lekan Fadolapo

The apex regulatory body in the nation’s advertising industry, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has said it would sanction Trophy Lager Beer, over exposure of non-vetted materials, in some states of the federation, without the requisite approval.

 

The agency, in a statement signed by its Director General, Dr. Lekan Fadolapo, stated that it decided to wield the big stick; since the said advertisements offended the sensitivities of some sections  of the nation’s ethnic and religious  communities.

 

It stated further that though it had ordered for the removal of the ‘reprehensible’ ads nationwide,  it would still take all necessary  and appropriate steps to ensure  the violators are sanctioned  in line with the nation’s relevant advertising laws.

 

“The said advertisements, which have offended the sensitivities of some sections of Nigeria’s ethnic and religious communities were neither submitted for vetting nor approved  by the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP) for exposure.

 

“The advertisements are considered reprehensible and are in violation of the provisions of the ARCON Act and the Nigerian Code of Advertising.

 

“Having failed to comply with relevant regulatory frameworks, which hold  that all advertisements, advertising and marketing communications in Nigeria, or  directed at the Nigerian market shall be legal, decent, honest, truthful,  respectful and mindful of Nigeria’s  culture, religions and constitutional tenets, ARCON has ordered the removal of the advertisements on all media platforms nationwide,” the body stated.