…Calls for uniform policies, enforcement during political campaigns

By Emmanuel Elebeke

Advertising industry expert, High Chief T.O.E. Ekechi, has called for greater harmonisation of regulatory frameworks governing Nigeria’s outdoor advertising industry to promote clarity, fairness and professional practice.

Ekechi made the call while delivering a keynote address at the 41st Annual General Meeting of the Out-of-Home Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Speaking on the theme, “Out-of-Home Advertising Association of Nigeria in Political Campaign Season: Policies, Politics and Fair Practice,” he said practitioners operate within a regulatory environment involving various authorities, permits, fees and compliance requirements.

He said clearer delineation of regulatory responsibilities would help reduce duplication and provide greater certainty for operators in the sector.

Ekechi noted that the need for regulatory clarity becomes particularly important during political campaign periods, when demand for outdoor advertising spaces typically increases.

He called for transparent and consistent application of regulations governing political advertising, stressing that similar circumstances should attract similar regulatory treatment.

“If one candidate is denied access because of a regulatory restriction, that same restriction must apply to others in comparable circumstances,” he stated.

The industry expert urged OAAN to engage relevant government agencies and regulatory bodies in developing a more coordinated framework covering permits, fees, approvals, advertising rights, enforcement and compliance responsibilities.

According to him, a predictable regulatory environment would provide operators with greater certainty and encourage investment in the outdoor advertising sector.

Ekechi also encouraged OAAN to strengthen self-regulation and promote adherence to professional standards among practitioners.

He said continued dialogue between industry stakeholders and government agencies would help improve the regulatory environment while ensuring that outdoor advertising activities remained orderly and compliant with applicable laws.

Ekechi maintained that a clearer and more coordinated regulatory framework would benefit outdoor advertising practitioners, government, political parties, advertisers and the wider economy.