The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has responded to concerns raised by the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) regarding the appointment of a governing council, stating that there is no vacuum in government operations.

Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, director general of ARCON, in an exclusive interview with MARKETING EDGE said the federal government is following due process in appointing the governing council chairman, noting that the procedure changed with the enactment of the ARCON Act of 2022.

“You will understand that there is a process and procedure for the appointment of the chairman of governing council, and this is the responsibility of the federal government. The industry stakeholders are expected to nominate other members,” Dr. Fadolapo explained.

He noted that before the 2022 Act, it was within the purview and power of the honourable minister to appoint the chairman of the governing council. “However, with the enactment of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act of 2022, the power to appoint the chairman of the governing council resides with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on the recommendation of the honourable minister.”

The ARCON boss emphasized that the appointment process involves rigorous vetting. “In appointing the chairman of the governing council, due diligence and security checks are also conducted to ensure that this aligns with the ARCON Act, best global practices and the interest of the industry. So, the federal government is working on the appointment and inauguration of the governing council.”

Dr. Fadolapo clarified the distinction between the governing council and the management committee, explaining that both bodies serve different functions within ARCON’s structure. “It should be noted that the governing council is separate and different from the management committee, which is responsible for day to day administrative decisions and is headed by the director general.”

He added that the ARCON Act provides clear oversight mechanisms. “The ARCON Act, also like every other act, provides that the honourable minister has oversight power and control over both the management and the governing council, to the extent that decisions of both the management committee and the governing council are subject to the approval of the honourable minister.”

Addressing concerns about operational efficiency in the absence of a governing council, Dr. Fadolapo stated categorically that ARCON continues to function effectively. “There is no vacuum in government because, notwithstanding the absence of a governing council, ARCON has continued to perform its oversight responsibilities and mandates.”