Concerns regarding the unlawful advertising of unapproved or unethical ads about different medical treatments on Facebook and Instagram have been voiced by the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (ARCON).
Facebook Nigeria Operations Limited is the Nigerian representative for both sites, which are owned by Meta Incorporated.
According to a statement released by Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, Director-General of ARCON, these ads, which make unsubstantiated and unproven health claims, put Nigerians at serious risk because there is no clinical or scientific proof of their efficacy. ARCON’s study revealed that these items might not be safe to eat because they have not received the proper official approval.
According to the authority, brand owners are making use of online media platforms’ opportunities to show these prohibited advertisements.
ARCON’s DG had this to say: “These advertisements, which make unfounded claims, were not submitted to or approved by the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP), the statutory body established under the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act No. 23 of 2022. The ASP is responsible for ensuring that advertisements targeting the Nigerian market comply with advertising ethics and the country’s laws.”
BrandSpur digital news platform reports that eleven items with 20 dubious claims have been found by ARCON, including:
- Nancy Secret Kayamata (“Effective results guaranteed”)
- Hookup Kit Runs Girl Package (“It brings only rich and wealthy men to you”)
- Kayamata (“Come and lock your stubborn clients with us”)
- Nancy Secret
- Extreme Control Set (“Comes with attention, love, and control products to make your man grant your heart’s desires”)
- Big Girls Soap (“A special product for ladies expecting rich men and contractors seeking favours”)
- Jinja Herbal Extracts (“Treats infections and diabetes, stabilizes blood sugar, and boosts health”)
- Rida Fat Burner (“Burn that belly fat” and “Burn stubborn body fat naturally”)
- Rida Restore (Anti-aging solution)
- Rida Balm (Natural infection solution)
- Dr. Edheba Trado Medical Centre claims (“Specializes in bone dislocations, fractures, and spinal injuries; Absolute treatment for high blood pressure”)
- Billz Herbal Wellness (“Cures stubborn infections, strengthens sexual performance, and eliminates infections”)
However, ARCON affirms its commitment to taking appropriate actions to ensure that those involved in promoting these unauthorized advertisements face penalties following the nation’s laws and the Advertising Code.
