In a groundbreaking move to transform the African media landscape, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has announced the launch of the continent’s first indigenous stock image repository, the Nigeria Stock Image Bank (NSIB).
This innovative initiative aims to engage over 100,000 photographers, 10,000 models, content creators, and other professionals, marking a significant step toward enhancing local content production and representation in global media.
The Nigeria Stock Image Bank is part of ARCON’s broader strategy to reform the advertising industry, ensuring that it competes on a global scale.
To spearhead the development of this initiative, ARCON has inaugurated a 10-member committee led by acclaimed photographer Kelechi Amadi Obi, President of the Professional Photographers Association of Nigeria.
The committee includes representatives from various sectors of the advertising and media industry, tasked with creating a comprehensive roadmap for the stock image bank.
Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, Director General of ARCON, emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “The establishment of Nigeria’s Stock Image Bank is a crucial step in promoting local content and boosting the economy in line with the directives of the Minister of Information and the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
He highlighted that the initiative aligns with ARCON’s mission to foster indigenous production and create an African-centric image repository that empowers local talent while presenting authentic African narratives to the global community.
The committee has three months to deliver an interim report outlining the foundational strategies for the image bank, including technological infrastructure, copyright protection, and plans for global market penetration.
The 10-member committee includes key figures from various sectors of the advertising industry, such as Mr. Frank Osodi of the Professional Model Managers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Bolu Apata of the Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria, and Mr. Victor Oyarero of the Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria.
In his acceptance speech, Kelechi Amadi Obi expressed his commitment to the project, noting that it is vital for Africa to “be our own storytellers.”
He stressed the need for a local image bank to correct the imbalance in visual narratives, where online searches often yield content captured outside the continent. “This bank will not only serve the Nigerian people but will also provide a global platform for African narratives,” he said.