ARCON Act seen as more progressive than UAE’s media law in new analysis, highlighting its balanced, inclusive, and culturally sensitive framework

ARCON Act has emerged as a surprisingly forward-thinking piece of legislation when compared to international media laws, particularly the UAE’s Federal Decree No. 55 of 2023.

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This finding comes from a recent independent cross-jurisdictional analysis that repositions Nigeria’s 2022 ARCON Act as a globally competitive regulatory framework.

Contrary to criticism that the ARCON Act is overly restrictive, the report shows it aligns with, and in some areas outpaces, international standards.

The Act was introduced to modernize the country’s advertising regulation, replacing the 2004 Advertising Practitioners Act.

Its objectives include ensuring advertising is legal, decent, honest, and respectful of Nigerian cultural values and constitutional principles.

Like the UAE’s media decree, the ARCON Act grants broad regulatory oversight.

Section 1(2)(d) gives the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria exclusive authority over all advertising-related matters — a scope that mirrors Article 2 of the UAE law, which applies to all media outlets, institutions, and activities.

The ARCON Act also presents a more structured professional pathway.

Sections 21 to 25 define membership tiers, from student to fellow, with academic and experiential criteria.

For instance, associate membership requires a relevant diploma and strong moral standing, while full membership requires five years of professional practice.

By contrast, the UAE’s criteria are more general, focusing on legal capacity and approvals.

In the area of enforcement, the ARCON Act proves notably moderate.

It prescribes fines ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦1 million, with a fair hearing guaranteed before sanctions.

In comparison, the UAE law imposes penalties as high as $270,000 for a single offence, with repeat violations reaching $540,000 — highlighting Nigeria’s more measured approach.

Both countries emphasize cultural sensitivity. Section 2(1)(b) of the ARCON Act insists on respecting Nigeria’s religious and cultural diversity, just as Article 17 of the UAE law demands protection of national identity and heritage.

Nigeria’s flexible, principle-based regulation has helped navigate local controversies, such as Sterling Bank’s “Agege Bread” ad and FIRS’s tax messaging.

Governance under the ARCON Act reflects a stakeholder-inclusive approach.

Section 3(2) mandates that bodies like AAAN, ADVAN, and MIPAN have seats at the decision-making table, a contrast to the UAE’s centralized media council model.

While some industry voices have critiqued Section 8(j) of the Act — which promotes Nigerian content and skills — as protectionist, the analysis finds that it aligns with global trends encouraging local industry development in the face of globalization.

The analysis concludes that the ARCON Act represents a thoughtful, balanced framework.

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When measured against global standards, particularly those in the Middle East, Nigeria’s legislation is not only competitive but in many respects, more inclusive, culturally adaptive, and future-ready.