Raheem Akingbolu
The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has called on all advertising agencies to ensure proper documentation of non-Nigerians working at their respective firms.
In a statement issued by the Director General of the council, Olalekan Fadolapo, ARCON also warned that advertising agencies, which currently engage Non-Nigerians are requested to obtain approval for such employment before 31st March, 2024 for regularisation.
The directive came days after the federal government launched the expatriate employment levy (EEL) to close wage gaps between expatriates and the Nigerian labour force.
The EEL also mandates firms to pay levies for hiring expatriates and provides guidelines on the employment of Nigerians in foreign-owned companies.
President Bola Tinubu said the policy, which was initiated to oversee expatriate employment in the country, should not become a hindrance to foreign investment.
The ARCON directive reads; “In line with the ongoing industry reform and the need to keep proper record of all Non-Nigerians engaged by Advertising Agencies in Nigeria, we wish to inform all Advertising Agencies (i.e. full service, creative, media independent, out-of-home, digital and experiential agencies) of the need to ensure proper documentation of all Non-Nigerians in their employments.
“Advertising Agencies which currently engage Non-Nigerians are requested to obtain approval for such employment before 31st March, 2024 for regularization. With effect from 1st April, 2024, employment of Non-Nigerians will require the prior approval of the ARCON in line with ARCON proclamation.” “Applications for engagements of non-Nigerians will include the following information; evidence of work permit obtained from relevant government agencies, proof of the remuneration package and conditions of service as comparable to those offered to Nigerians on the same status and positions and proof the employment of foreign practitioners will assist in transferring new skills and knowledge to Nigerians.”
