ABUJA (AA) - Nigeria has become the first country to ban foreign models and voice-over artists from television commercials, according to advertising regulators.

The ban, which will take effect from Oct. 1, is aimed to promote local content and talents, and increase economic growth, according to Olalekan Fadolapo, director-general of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria.

Fadolapo, however, said that the move would not affect the ongoing advertising campaigns and that they would be permitted to run out their terms.


He said subsequent applications for revalidation for continued exposure of such materials will not be granted by Advertising Standards Panel.

Adam Abu-bashal/AA