ARCON asks all advertising agents to document details of non-Nigerians
Kunle Sanni
The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has called on all advertising agencies to ensure proper documentation of non-Nigerians working at their respective firms.
In a statement issued by the Director General of the Commission, Olalekan Fadolapo, on Monday, ARCON also warned that advertising agencies which currently engage Non-Nigerians are requested to obtain approval for such employment before 31st March, 2024 for regularization.
The directive comes days after the federal government launched the expatriate employment levy (EEL) to close wage gaps between expatriates and the Nigerian labour force.
The EEL also mandates firms to pay levies for hiring expatriates and provides guidelines on the employment of Nigerians in foreign-owned companies.
President Bola Tinubu said the policy, which was initiated to oversee expatriate employment in the country, should not become a hindrance to foreign investment.
Read the full ARCON statement below:
“In line with the ongoing industry reform and the need to keep proper record of all Non-Nigerians engaged by Advertising Agencies in Nigeria, we wish to inform all Advertising Agencies (i.e. full service, creative, media independent, out-of-home, digital and experiential agencies) of the need to ensure proper documentation of all Non-Nigerians in their employments.
“Advertising Agencies which currently engage Non-Nigerians are requested to obtain approval for such employment before 31st March, 2024 for regularization.
“With effect from 1st April, 2024, employments of Non-Nigerians will require the prior approval of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) in line with ARCON proclamation.
“Applications for engagements of Non-Nigerians will include the following information:
“1. Evidence of work permit obtained from relevant government agencies.
“2. Proof of the remuneration package and conditions of service as comparable to those offered to Nigerians on the same status and positions.
“3. Proof the employment of foreign practitioners will assist in transferring new skills and knowledge to Nigerians.
“Evidence that the engagement of a foreigner will not affect the employment of Nigerians negatively.
“5. The genuineness/validity of the offer.
Non-Nigerians are welcome to practice the profession in Nigeria. However, such practitioners shall be certified and licensed by ARCON in line with the Nigerian Advertising Laws.
