Nigeria Becomes First Country To Ban White Models In Adverts

Nigeria has decided to completely ban foreign models and voiceover artists.

In an effort to develop it’s own talent, the ban will see a major shake up by the Nigerian advertising sector which was previously dominated by a large proportion of white British models and voice-over artists.

The policy comes into effect in October 2022, with current advertising campaigns using foreign talents being allowed to continue however no new permits will be issued by the relevant authorities.

Steve Babaeko, President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, told The Times, “Britons accounted for about half of models and voiceover artists in Nigerian commercials a couple of decades ago.”

He added that there has been, “renaissance in Nigeria with a new sense of pride emerging among young people.”

“All advertisements, advertising, and marketing communications materials targeted or exposed on the Nigerian advertising space are to use only Nigerian models and voice-over artists,” the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) stated.