The President of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) Osamede Uwubanmwen has called for the establishment of a council of stakeholders to oversee advertisement regulatory agencies, emphasizing the need for democracy in the industry.
Speaking at the 2025 ADVAN African Awards for Marketing Excellence held in Lagos, Osamede Uwubanmwen highlighted the challenges within Nigeria’s advertising sector, stressing that a stakeholder-led council would help resolve conflicts and ensure fair decision-making.
“We need democracy in our industry. We don’t have a council. If we had a council, which the law approved in 2022, many of the disputes and back-and-forth arguments in the media would be settled internally. We would vote and bring policies to life,” Osamede stated.
The event, which celebrated creativity, innovation, and leadership in African marketing and advertising, also featured remarks from Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole. She reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to economic growth through transformative policies, recognizing the advertising sector as a key driver of diversification and digital transformation.
“As Nigeria continues to champion economic diversification, we recognize the immense potential within the creative and advertising sector. The Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment has embarked on a transformative journey to drive economic progress,” she noted.
Themed “Controlled Chaos: Mastering Marketing in a Hyperconnected World,” the awards provided a platform for businesses and brands to showcase their contributions and gain a competitive edge in the evolving marketplace.
The call for a stakeholder council adds to ongoing discussions about regulatory frameworks within Nigeria’s advertising industry, as key players push for more inclusive and transparent governance structures.
