Advertising Industry Stakeholders To Chart Course On Responsible Advertising At ASP Forum
Responsible advertising has become a critical issue in the marketing communication industry, as businesses and consumers alike grapple with the impact of unethical practices. While some markets have experienced growth through the adoption of responsible advertising strategies, others have faced significant declines due to a lack of adherence to industry standards and regulations.
The advertising industry in Nigeria is no stranger to these challenges, with growing concerns over the proliferation of misleading advertisements, the lack of proper adherence to vetting and approval processes, and the need for greater accountability and transparency.
It is against this backdrop that the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP), a statutory organ of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), has convened a high-level Stakeholders’ Forum to address these pressing issues.
Themed “Promoting Responsible Advertising in Nigeria,” the forum, will hold at the Sheba Event Centre in Ikeja, Lagos.
It aims to bring together industry stakeholders, including Advertising Sectoral Groups, Digital Space Owners and Providers, Capital Market Operators, Trado-Medicals, Real Estate Practitioners, Content Creators, Skit Makers, Hospitals, and Educational Institutions, among others.
It is also expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss critical issues surrounding ethical advertising practices, penalties for engaging in unwholesome advertising activities, and the challenges and benefits of complying with the law.
This was made known in a press statement signed by Martha Ugbomma Onyebuchi, Director of Regulations at ARCON, copying its Director-General, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo. She stated, “The Advertising Standards Panel recognizes the importance of fostering responsible advertising practices in Nigeria. This Stakeholders’ Forum is an opportunity for industry players to come together, share insights, and collectively work towards upholding the highest standards in the marketing communication sector.”
One of the key topics to be addressed at the forum is the issue of exposing advertisements without presenting the materials for statutory vetting and approval by the Advertising Standards Panel. The event will also delve into the penalties for such violations, as well as the overall benefits of obeying the law.
She added that attendance is free, and industry professionals are encouraged to register and participate in the important event.
“We believe that by bringing together the various stakeholders, we can foster open dialogue, address challenges, and ultimately promote responsible advertising practices that benefit both businesses and consumers in Nigeria,” Onyebuchi concluded.
