The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has filed a suit against Meta the parent of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and its agent AT3 Resources Limited, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

This was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday by the regulatory body of Nigeria’s advertising, ARCON, noting that advertisements on the platforms mentioned above were illegal and not approved by the federal government, thus seeking N30 billion for punitive damages.

The statement read partly: “The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has instituted a suit against Meta Platforms Incorporated (owners of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp platforms) and its agent AT3 Resources Limited at the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division.

“ARCON is seeking 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 a loss of revenue to the Federal Government.

“ARCON is seeking N30b in sanction for the violation of the advertising laws and foss of revenue as a result of Meta Incorporated’s continued exposure of unapproved adverts on its platforms.

“ARCON reiterate that it would not permit unethical and irresponsible advertising on Nigeria’s advertising space.”