The Advertisers Association of Nigeria, ADVAN, has officially opened entries for the 2026 edition of its Marketing Excellence Awards, thereby setting the tone for another round of industry wide competition and recognition.

With this move, the association is once again inviting brands, agencies and marketing professionals to step forward and showcase campaigns that reflect clear thinking, bold ideas, strong execution and results that can be measured and defended.

Entry Timeline and Submission Window

Beginning from January 19, interested participants can start submitting their campaigns for consideration. Meanwhile, the submission window will remain open until February 27, 2026. Throughout this period, ADVAN will actively receive and screen entries drawn from different sectors of the economy, ensuring broad representation of marketing activity across the market.

Jury Review and Evaluation Process

Subsequently, a jury comprising seasoned marketing and communications professionals will commence the evaluation process. At this stage, the panel will carefully assess submissions based on clarity of strategy, originality, quality of execution and innovative use of platforms, ensuring that only the most compelling work progresses.

Awards Night and Venue Details

At the same time, attention is already shifting toward the awards ceremony itself, which has been scheduled for March 28, 2026. The event will take place at the Shell Zenith Bank Hall of the MUSON Centre in Onikan, Lagos, and is expected to bring together industry leaders, brand custodians and senior agency executives.

Categories and Top Honours

On the awards night, leading campaigns will compete for top honours across several categories. These include Campaign of the Year, Brand of the Year, Digital and Social Media Marketing, alongside other specialised recognitions designed to spotlight excellence across the marketing spectrum.

Broader Industry Impact

Beyond the presentation of trophies, the Marketing Excellence Awards continue to play a wider role within the marketing ecosystem. Specifically, the awards provide public validation for outstanding work, strengthen brand credibility and, importantly, promote higher standards across the profession.

Reflecting Market Shifts and Innovation

As a result, the 2026 edition is expected to mirror how marketers are adapting to changing consumer behaviour, intensifying competition and an increasingly digital business environment.

ADVAN’s Role in the Industry

Since its establishment in 1992, the Advertisers Association of Nigeria has steadily evolved into the collective voice of major advertisers in the country. Today, the association represents more than 70 member organisations and over 200 brands, with a combined annual marketing spend estimated at over N200 billion.

Driving Progress Through Recognition

Through initiatives such as the Marketing Excellence Awards, ADVAN continues to influence industry conversations, recognise progress and consistently push the marketing profession forward.