By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating policies that will strengthen Nigeria’s advertising and creative industries, describing the sector as a critical driver of economic growth, job creation and innovation.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Thursday at the Advertising Industry Colloquium (AIC) 4.0 organized by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) in Lagos.
Represented by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace, the minister said the President Bola Tinubu administration recognises the strategic importance of the country’s creative and advertising ecosystem in advancing national development.
He said the administration was implementing reforms aimed at building a competitive digital economy capable of generating employment, attracting investment and positioning Nigeria as Africa’s innovation hub.
According to him, Nigeria’s expanding digital economy, supported by more than 170 million active telecommunications subscriptions and ongoing broadband infrastructure projects, has opened up new opportunities for advertisers, content creators and digital entrepreneurs.
Idris noted that advertising extends beyond promoting products and services, stressing that it also shapes culture, stimulates economic activity, supports businesses and contributes significantly to national development.
He emphasized the importance of balancing innovation with effective regulation, particularly as digital platforms and Artificial Intelligence continue to transform the industry.
The minister said a transparent and forward-looking regulatory framework would boost investor confidence, protect consumers and promote fair competition, insisting that regulation should be viewed as an enabler rather than a barrier to growth.
He also urged industry stakeholders to embrace innovation while safeguarding creativity, ethics and intellectual property.
Idris assured that the Federal Government would continue collaborating with ARCON and other stakeholders to position Nigeria as Africa’s leading hub for responsible advertising, creative excellence and digital innovation.
The Advertising Industry Colloquium is an annual forum that brings together regulators, industry leaders and other stakeholders to discuss emerging trends, opportunities and challenges shaping Nigeria’s advertising sector.
