The Advertising Regulatoryhttps://advertcouncil.gov.ng/ Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has criticised recent directives issued by some state signage and advertising agencies, describing them as unconstitutional and beyond their legal authority.

In a statement released on Saturday, February 14, 2026, ARCON said it had received reports of letters and notices from state regulators—particularly those in Ondo State and Enugu State—ordering practitioners and advertisers involved in Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising to submit certain categories of adverts for approval before display.

The statement, signed by ARCON Director-General Olalekan Fadolapo, argued that such directives covering political, gaming, lottery, and brand advertisements are “illegal and ultra vires,” stressing that state signage agencies lack the authority to vet advertisements before exposure.

According to ARCON, Nigeria’s advertising profession falls under matters listed in the Exclusive Legislative List of the Constitution, making it the responsibility of the National Assembly of Nigeria to enact laws governing the sector. The council noted that the ARCON Act 2023 assigns advertising regulation to ARCON, adding that state signage agencies do not have constitutional backing to exercise such powers.

The council further warned that the directives from the Ondo and Enugu agencies contradict provisions of the Advertising Act 2024 and could create regulatory conflicts within the industry.

“With the approach of the 2027 general elections and voter-education campaigns, state signage agencies should avoid actions that could undermine federal oversight or create unnecessary bottlenecks,” Fadolapo said.

Despite the dispute, ARCON said it remains open to collaboration with state OOH regulators to ensure responsible advertising practices and peaceful electioneering campaigns across the country. The council also noted that its clarification was meant to address concerns raised by stakeholders and prevent misinformation about regulatory roles in Nigeria’s advertising sector.