APCON authorizes influencers to get advert approval

Before promoting any product or service online, skit creators, social media influencers, bloggers, and others are required to obtain approval from the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON).

This directive is included in a statement issued on Monday by Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo's office, the Director General.

The new mandate, according to the statement, complies with the APCON Act No. 23 of 2022 and the Nigerian Code of Advertising Practice.

Concerns have been brought to APCON's attention regarding the marketing, advertising, and promotional efforts of sketch creators, comedians, influencers, content producers, bloggers, and vloggers on digital media platforms.

“Most of the advertisements exposed by this group are not only unethical with unverified claims and misinformation, but also in violation of the Nigerian Code of Advertising Practice.

Brand owners, digital agencies, owners of secondary digital media spaces (i.e., bloggers, vloggers, influencers, comedians, skit makers, etc.) and other advertising stakeholders in the digital online media space are advised by this public notice to obtain pre-exposure approval for all advertisements, advertising, and marketing communications in accordance with the Nigerian Code of Advertising Practice and the ARCON Act No. 23 of 2022.

“APCON will take all necessary actions to ensure compliance, including sanctions and prosecution of violators of the Act’s provisions.

Source