Sequel to the need to align the current vetting fees, procedures, and processes across all media for inclusive pre-exposure vetting in line with the Nigerian Advertising Laws and Regulations, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has introduced a new vetting fee regime for advertisements.
In a statement signed by the Director-General of ARCON, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, the new regime has not increased the existing vetting fee but rather, broken it down to encourage responsible advertising through pre-exposure vetting in line with the Nigerian code of advertising and vetting guidance.
According to him. SME Category for traditional media only, for print, broadcast and Out of Home, the new vetting fee is N10,000 and ten working days period and which was previously N25,000.
Also for SMEs, there is 8 hours accelerated fee at N100, 000 and maximum 15 concepts per application and 16 hours accelerated vetting for N70, 000 and maximum of 10 concepts per application while the validity period of approval is 12 months.
He added that the creation of special window for SMEs is to further encourage and support the SME sector of the economy.
“Organisations that qualify in this category will apply for vetting under SME classification and provide evidence of their enterprise as an SME with a letter from either the Small or Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) or the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME).
“For New media (Online and Social Media Platforms) for all brands and organisations, new vetting fee is N7, 500 for 7 working days and it was previously N25, 000, 8 hours accelerated fee for N100, 000 and maximum 15 concepts per application and 16 hours accelerated vetting at N70, 000 and maximum of 10 concepts per application. The validity period is three months.”
He explained further that all advertisement designs for exposure on all online or social media platforms are classified within this category, notwithstanding the brand, organisations, or industry.
He however said for traditional media, print, broadcast and Out of Home, the current and existing vetting fee regime (normal and accelerated vetting) remains the same under this category for all brands, organisations, or industries (except for SMEs).
“Vetting process is 8 hours accelerated vetting and maximum of 15 concepts per application and 16 hours accelerated vetting and maximum of 10 concepts per application. The validity is 12 months,” he added.
BV.