The Advertising Standards Panel (ASP), Nigeria’s official advertising vetting authority, has reaffirmed its resolve to tackle growing industry challenges and safeguard public interest in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Speaking at the ASP Stakeholders’ Forum held at Sheba Events Centre, Lagos, the Panel’s Chairman, Dr Emmanuel Agu, highlighted the increasing complexities of today’s advertising ecosystem. He pointed to the rise of digital platforms and the sheer volume of unregulated content as a major concern.
“The Panel is not blind to the current realities,” Dr Agu stated. “We are actively developing strategies to keep up with the fast pace of digital content and ensure swift, thorough vetting.”
Dr Agu underscored ASP’s core responsibility, as mandated by the Nigerian Code of Advertising, to ensure all advertisements remain legal, decent, honest, and in line with public values—particularly those targeting minors and vulnerable groups.
He explained that the ASP has shifted from merely approving ads to monitoring the wider communication landscape, especially in a time where “anyone can be a content creator.”
A major concern raised was the unchecked use of social media influencers and skit makers who often publish content that doubles as unvetted advertising. Dr Agu warned that such trends, if left unaddressed, could undermine public trust and mislead consumers.
He cited examples of misleading product promotions, indecent materials, and unauthorised appearances of children in ads as critical threats to responsible advertising in Nigeria.
To address these challenges, Dr Agu said the ASP is exploring technology-driven solutions such as artificial intelligence for faster ad monitoring. The Panel also plans to strengthen ties with digital platforms like Meta, and increase compliance awareness among content creators and agencies.
Dr Agu stressed that all commercial messages must pass through proper regulatory channels. “Any content designed to promote a product or idea must be vetted, no matter the format,” he insisted.
