A federal high court in Lagos has ruled that the authority to regulate outdoor advertising lies solely with local government authorities.
Gatekeepers News reports that the court effectively stripped Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) of control over hoardings and billboards.
The judgment was delivered by Justice Akintayo Aluko in the case FHC/L/CS/1044/2025, brought by Massilia Motors Limited, which had contested a violation notice issued by ARCON and the subsequent criminal summons from the advertising offences tribunal.
Justice Aluko held that the Nigerian constitution clearly vests control of outdoor advertising with local government councils, and any attempt by ARCON to exercise such powers constitutes an unlawful overreach.
The judge also declared invalid the requirement that advertisers seek prior approval from Advertising Standards Panel (ASP) before publishing promotional material, describing the provision as inconsistent with constitutional law.
In response to the ruling, Kolawole Mayomi, counsel for Massilia Motors, said the decision confirmed the limits of ARCON’s regulatory authority and vindicated his client’s challenge against the arbitrary and unconstitutional aspects of ARCON Act.
He further praised Massilia Motors for taking a stand and highlighted the clarity the judgment provides for the advertising sector.
Mayomi also lauded Advertisers’ Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) for its long-standing advocacy for transparent and lawful regulation in Nigeria’s marketing communications industry.
