As Nigeria heads into another election cycle, the Out-of-Home Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) has reopened discussions on fairness, regulation and professional standards in outdoor advertising.
The conversation took centre stage at the association’s 41st Annual General Meeting in Abeokuta, where members explored how politics and policy intersect during campaign seasons. Industry leaders emphasised that while election periods offer commercial opportunities, they also test the integrity of practitioners.
OAAN President, Chief ’Sola Akinsiku, urged members to maintain fairness, excellence and ethical conduct at all times, describing the coming political season as a test of professional standards rather than just a period of increased revenue.
Keynote speaker, High Chief Dr. Theodore Okwu Ejike (T.O.E.) Ekechi, noted that Nigeria’s regulatory challenges stem less from a lack of laws and more from overlapping and inconsistent enforcement across federal, state and local authorities. He stressed the need for predictability and equal access to advertising platforms, arguing that democracy suffers when candidates face unequal visibility.
The Abeokuta meeting also highlighted the importance of self-regulation within the industry, particularly in pricing, inventory allocation and maintaining political neutrality. Leaders also reiterated their push for chartered status, which they believe would strengthen governance and engagement with regulators.
