FG seeks stronger AI regulation as Advertising Industry Colloquium confronts digital disruption

The Federal Government has called for stronger ethical standards and regulatory safeguards to guide the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies in Nigeria’s advertising industry, warning that innovation must not undermine consumer trust, professionalism and accountability.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, made the call in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, at the 2026 Advertising Industry Colloquium held in Lagos on Thursday.

The annual event, organised by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), brought together regulators, advertising practitioners, academics, media professionals and other stakeholders to examine the future of the industry under the theme: “The Future of Advertising: Roles of Platforms, People and Regulation.”

According to the minister, while artificial intelligence and digital platforms are transforming the advertising ecosystem by changing how brands engage consumers and distribute content, they have also created new concerns around misinformation, harmful content, privacy, data protection and market fairness.

He stressed that technological innovation must be supported by effective regulation capable of protecting consumers while encouraging creativity and investment.

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Idris maintained that AI should complement—not replace—the human elements that define effective advertising, including creativity, cultural understanding, ethical judgment and emotional intelligence.

He described advertising as a strategic tool that now extends beyond product promotion to influencing public perception, supporting economic development, promoting national identity and strengthening democratic participation.

The minister said the Federal Government remains committed to building a globally competitive digital economy through ongoing reforms aimed at expanding innovation, attracting investment and creating employment opportunities.

He also urged greater investment in digital literacy, education and creative entrepreneurship, describing Nigeria’s youthful population as one of the country’s greatest assets in the digital age.

Calling for stronger collaboration between regulators, academia and industry practitioners, Idris said closer partnerships would help bridge the gap between research, policy and professional practice while preparing future advertising professionals for rapidly evolving technologies.

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He commended ARCON for strengthening Nigeria’s advertising regulatory framework through stakeholder engagement and reforms designed to improve transparency, consumer protection and investor confidence.

Earlier, ARCON Director-General, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, said the rapid evolution of communication technologies has made responsible innovation more critical than ever.

He noted that the future of advertising depends on collective action by regulators, industry players and educational institutions to build a resilient sector driven by ethical practice, creativity and public trust.

According to Fadolapo, the annual colloquium has become a strategic platform for shaping policy discussions and fostering collaboration across the advertising and marketing communications ecosystem.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Advertising Industry Colloquium and Journal Committee, Professor Rotimi Olatunji, said the discussions reflected the industry’s growing focus on balancing technological innovation with responsible regulation.

He said previous editions of the colloquium had explored emerging technologies and changing trends in advertising, while this year’s edition focused on ensuring that digital platforms, artificial intelligence and human creativity evolve together within a framework of professionalism and consumer confidence.