HASG urges unity in ARCON ADVAN dispute

HASG calls for dialogue in the ARCON ADVAN dispute, backing AISOP and urging inauguration of ARCON Council

The Heads of Advertising Sectoral Groups (HASG), Nigeria’s umbrella body for the advertising industry, has called for dialogue and institutional stability amid the ongoing dispute between the Advertisers Association of Nigeria and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria.

Also read: ARCON slams ADVAN over advertising reform claims

In a formal statement issued on Tuesday, HASG said it had reviewed both the open letter addressed to the Presidency by ADVAN concerning the operations of ARCON and the Advertising Industry Standard of Practice, as well as ARCON’s rejoinder.

HASG unequivocally supported the inauguration of the ARCON Governing Council by the Federal Government, noting that a properly constituted council strengthens governance, enhances accountability and ensures balanced oversight of regulatory activities.

According to the body, activating the council would reinforce transparency and institutional credibility within the sector.

On the Advertising Industry Standard of Practice (AISOP), HASG maintained that the framework remains beneficial to the long-term sustainability of the advertising ecosystem.

The body stated that AISOP was introduced to promote professionalism, standardise practice and protect value across the industry.

While acknowledging that implementation challenges may arise, HASG emphasised that such concerns are best resolved through structured engagement rather than disengagement.

The umbrella organisation stressed that Nigeria’s advertising industry thrives when advertisers, agencies, media owners, regulators and allied bodies collaborate.

It urged ADVAN to return to the HASG platform in the spirit of partnership and collective problem-solving.

In a significant move towards easing tensions, HASG announced plans to engage separately with the leadership of ADVAN and ARCON in consultative meetings aimed at identifying common ground and achieving a sustainable resolution.

HASG clarified that it does not view the situation as a contest between regulator and advertisers.

Instead, it described the moment as an opportunity to refine processes, strengthen governance and reinforce trust across the advertising value chain.

The group warned that Nigeria’s advertising and creative sector, which supports enterprise, drives consumer engagement and generates employment, is too vital to national economic growth to be weakened by division.

Also read: ARCON issues stern warning to Ondo, Enugu signage agencies over unlawful political advertisements

HASG reaffirmed its commitment to lawful and accountable regulation, continuous policy improvement and open dialogue, stating that the path forward lies in collaboration and shared responsibility.

Quadri Olaitan