Federal Government through the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has filed a N30 billion suit against Meta Platforms Incorporated, owners of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, and its agent AT3 Resources Limited.

In the suit before the Abuja division of the Federal High Court, ARCON is seeking the declaration, among others, that the continued publication and exposure of various advertisements directed at the Nigerian market through Facebook and Instagram platforms by Meta Platforms Incorporated without ensuring same is vetted and approved before exposure is illegal, unlawful and a violation of the extant advertising law in Nigeria.

ARCON stated that Meta Platforms Incorporated’s continued exposure of unvetted adverts has also led to loss of revenue to the Federal Government. 

ARCON is seeking N30billion in sanction for the violation of the advertising laws and for loss of revenue as a result of Meta Incorporated’s continued exposure of unapproved adverts on its platforms. 

ARCON said it would not permit unethical and irresponsible advertising on the Nigeria’s advertising space.

It further stated that it is not regulating the online media space, but rather advertising and marketing communications on the online platforms in line with its establishment Act.