The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) has expressed  concern over its exclusion from the just concluded Town Hall Meeting jointly organized by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and the Nigerian Bar Association–Lawyers in the Media Forum (NBA-LIM).

The event  was scheduled to hold on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Sheba Events Center, Ikeja, Lagos.

In addition, it was themed “The Nigerian Advertising Law: The Role of the Advertising Offences Tribunal (AOT).”

Also, it is expected to feature key legal and regulatory figures, including Drs. Olalekan Fadolapo, Director-General of ARCON.

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Others include:Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, President of the Nigerian Bar Association; Barrister Charles Odenigbo, Director-General of the Centre for Media Law and Development; and Mr. Lanre Adisa, Chairman of the Heads of Advertising Sectoral Groups (HASG).

ADVAN Clarifies Its Position

ADVAN wishes to state clearly that it was not  invited to participate in or attend the program.

As a principal stakeholder in Nigeria’s marketing and communications ecosystem, representing the collective interests of advertisers (all corporate organisations, multinationals, and SMEs that utilise marketing to promote their services).

Exclusion Raises Industry Concerns

ADVAN considers this exclusion unfortunate.

Moreover, given the stated purpose of the event, it is aimed at  deepening awareness of Nigeria’s advertising regulatory framework.

Again, it is also to promote stakeholder engagement.

Therefore, the absence of advertisers’ representation undermines the goal of fostering balanced and inclusive dialogue.

Not only that, it  also undermines the implementation of advertising laws and the functions of the Advertising Offences Tribunal.

Commitment to Collaboration and Inclusion

ADVAN acknowledges the importance of such engagements in promoting understanding of the legal and regulatory environment governing advertising in Nigeria.

Also, the association emphasises that sustainable progress in the sector can only be achieved through collaboration.

Aside all these, it is equally poised for inclusion and mutual respect among all relevant stakeholders.

In affirmation,  ADVAN  said it remains committed to constructive engagement with regulatory authorities and industry partners.

In accordance, this is to ensure that advertising regulation in Nigeria continues to evolve in a fair, transparent, and equitable manner.