The event, themed “The Nigerian Advertising Law: The Role of the Advertising Offences Tribunal (AOT),” is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Sheba Events Centre in Ikeja, Lagos. It is expected to feature leading voices in the legal and regulatory space, including Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, Director-General of ARCON; 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).
In a statement, ADVAN clarified that it had not been invited to participate in or attend the programme. The association, which represents the collective interests of advertisers—ranging from multinational corporations to SMEs that rely on marketing to promote their products and services—described its exclusion as “unfortunate.”
According to the group, the stated objective of the Town Hall—to deepen understanding of Nigeria’s advertising regulatory framework and foster stakeholder engagement—cannot be fully achieved without the inclusion of advertisers, who are principal players in the marketing communications ecosystem.
“The absence of advertisers’ representation undermines the goal of fostering a balanced and inclusive dialogue on the implementation of advertising laws and the functions of the Advertising Offences Tribunal,” ADVAN stated.
While acknowledging the importance of such engagements in enhancing awareness of Nigeria’s regulatory environment, ADVAN stressed that meaningful and sustainable progress in the advertising industry can only result from collaboration, inclusion, and mutual respect among all stakeholders.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with ARCON and other industry partners, emphasizing its continued support for regulatory processes that promote fairness, transparency, and equitable growth within Nigeria’s advertising landscape.