The Heads of Advertising Sectoral Groups (HASG), Nigeria’s umbrella body for the advertising
industry, has reviewed the recent open letter addressed to the Presidency by the
Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) concerning the operations of the Advertising
Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and the Advertising Industry Standard of Practice (AISOP)
as well as the rejoinder from the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) on the issues
raised by ADVAN.
In the interest of industry stability and national economic growth, HASG wishes to clarify its
position.
1. HASG unequivocally supports the inauguration of the ARCON Council by the Federal
Government. A properly constituted Council, as provided by law, strengthens governance,
enhances accountability and ensures balanced oversight of the regulator’s activities. 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.
- On AISOP, HASG maintains that the Advertising Industry Standard of Practice remains
beneficial to the long-term health and sustainability of the sector. AISOP was introduced to
promote professionalism, standardise industry practice and protect value across the
advertising ecosystem. While implementation challenges may arise in any regulatory
framework, such issues are best addressed through structured engagement and
constructive negotiation rather than disengagement.
- The Nigerian advertising industry thrives when all stakeholders – advertisers, agencies,
media owners, regulators and allied bodies-work collaboratively. It is therefore important
that industry differences be resolved within established platforms of dialogue. HASG
reiterates its call for ADVAN to return to the HASG forum in the spirit of partnership and
collective problem-solving.
In demonstration of its commitment to peace and industry cohesion, HASG will be engaging
separately with the leadership of ADVAN and ARCON in consultative meetings aimed at addressing
concerns, identifying areas of common ground and working towards a sustainable resolution of the
issues currently facing the industry.
HASG does not view the present situation as a contest between regulator and advertisers. Rather,
it sees an opportunity to strengthen governance, refine processes and reinforce trust across the
ecosystem. Regulation and growth are not mutually exclusive; they must coexist to ensure a stable,
competitive and investment-friendly advertising environment.
Nigeria’s advertising and creative sector plays a vital role in supporting enterprise, driving consumer
engagement, generating employment and projecting the nation’s image. The industry is too
important to be weakened by division.
HASG remains committed to supporting lawful and accountable regulation, encouraging
continuous improvement in policy implementation and promoting open dialogue among all
stakeholders.
The path forward lies in conversation, collaboration and collective responsibility.
The industry must move forward—together.
Signed:
AAAN
OAAN
EXMAN
MIPAN
BON
