Nigeria To Ban Foreign Models, Voice Artists From TV Ads

The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, ARCON, has announced a ban on using foreign models and voice-over artists in television commercials made in the country.

ARCON says the move is aimed at ensuring that the local talent do not miss out on job opportunities. The measure is expected to boost work available for home-grown talent. Up until now, the Nigerian advertising sector used a large proportion of white British models and voice-over artists.

Companies that fail to adhere to this new policy risk being fined up to U.S.$2,000.

The ban is set to go into effect on October 1, with observers saying it is sure to represent a noticeable shift in a country where non-Nigerians have long been common on the air and radio waves, reports Al-Jazeera.