ARCON alerts Nigerians to unethical adverts on Meta platforms, warning against unverified health claims that jeopardise public health.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has raised the alarm over the proliferation of unethical advertisements on Meta-owned platforms, including Instagram and Facebook.
The council expressed concerns about individuals and organisations promoting products with unverified health claims, warning that these practices endanger public health and contravene Nigeria’s advertising regulations.
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Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, ARCON’s Director-General, highlighted the issue in a recent statement. He announced that the agency plans to sanction those responsible for circulating misleading advertisements.
ARCON’s investigations revealed that many of the advertised products are neither certified by relevant regulatory bodies nor clinically validated, exposing Nigerian consumers to significant health risks.
“Investigations reveal that these products are not certified by relevant regulatory agencies and may be unsafe for use. Advertisers exploit the unregulated nature of online platforms to circulate these unapproved ads,” Dr Fadolapo said.
ARCON emphasised that the advertisements in question were not vetted or approved by the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP), a statutory body responsible for ensuring compliance with the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act No. 23 of 2022.
The ASP’s mandate includes upholding ethical advertising standards and ensuring all advertisements align with Nigerian laws.
Some of the flagged advertisements include products with exaggerated or dubious claims, such as:
- Hookup Kit Runs Girl Package: Purportedly attracts wealthy men.
- Nancy Secret Kayamata: Claims to control clients’ behaviours.
- Big Girls Soap: Advertised as a product for gaining favour and attracting wealthy partners.
- Rida Products: Includes fat burners and anti-ageing solutions with unsubstantiated claims.
- Billz Herbal Wellness: Promotes treatments for infections and sexual health issues with bold, unverifiable promises.
- Jinja Herbal Extracts: Claims to treat infections, stabilise blood sugar, and boost health.
ARCON criticised the advertisers for exploiting the unregulated nature of digital platforms. The products often claim to deliver miraculous health benefits without any scientific backing or approval from regulatory authorities.
Dr Fadolapo urged Nigerian consumers to exercise caution when encountering such advertisements online.
To address these violations, ARCON reiterated its commitment to enforcing advertising regulations. The council warned that individuals and organisations promoting such products will face strict sanctions.
Additionally, ARCON plans to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to regulate advertising on digital platforms, ensuring consumer protection and adherence to the law.
As ARCON intensifies efforts to safeguard public health, Nigerians are advised to be vigilant and report unethical advertisements to the appropriate authorities.
Source: Read more at thisdaylive.com
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
