Nigeria Has Not Banned White-Skinned Models
The Claim
Nigeria becomes the first country to ban white models in all advertising.
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Emerging story
A claim purporting that Nigeria became the first country to ban white models in all advertising has recently gone viral on social media.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating claim and found it to be misleading.
The Federal Ministry of Information and Culture in Nigeria released a detailed statement explaining the ban of foreign models from adverts and voice-over. The statement clarifies: “All advertisements, advertising and marketing communications materials are to make use of only Nigerian model and voice-over artist.”
The Ban of Foreign Models and Voice-over Artists in Nigeria
The decision to ban hiring foreign models and voice-over artists in Nigeria comes after years of foreign models and voice-over artists dominating the advertisement industry.
“In line with the Federal Government's policy of developing local talent, inclusive economic growth and the need to take necessary steps and actions aimed at growing the Nigerian advertising industry, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) ... bans the use of foreign models and voice-over artists on any advertisement targeted or exposed on the Nigerian advertising space with effect from 1st October 2022,” the statement released by the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture reads.
Reactions to the Ban of Foreign Models in Nigeria
Many Twitter users expressed their anger because of this decision, which they found to be xenophobic and worrisome.
Others have tweeted their approval of the decision, which they see as a way of prioritizing local talent.
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