Section 21: Registration of person.

(1) Every person or organisation as defined in this Act or any subsidiary legislation made pursuant thereto, who intends to practice or continue to practice advertising and marketing communications in the Nigerian advertising market or commence operation or operate as an advertising or marketing communications outfit or carry on advertising or marketing communications business or profession shall be registered with the Council in accordance with the provisions of this Act and subsidiary legislation made
under it.
(2) Registration of individuals or organisations shall be in the prescribed form and in the manner specified under this Act and subsidiary legislation made under it including but not limited to the level of knowledge and skill required to operate in the Nigerian advertising and marketing communications market, and the Council shall-
(a) through subsidiary legislation and mandatory guidelines, make detailed provisions for licensing of different categories of advertising and marketing communications organisation and firm engaged in advertising and marketingcommunications business which is directed at the Nigerian market ; and
(b) issue a certificate of registration or license to any person or organisation indicating the relevant category and area of specialisation they can operate.
(3) The level of foreign participation in an agency or organisation incorporated in Nigeria would determine whether the proposed advertising firm is to carry on business directed at the Nigerian market as a foreign or
national agency or organisation.
(4) Both foreign and national agencies applying for license must comply with the requirements for license as set out in the Nigerian Code of Advertising, and any other mandatory guidelines published by the Council pursuant to its mandate under this Act.
(5) In granting licence to a body corporate to conduct any approved form of advertising or marketing communications business, the Council shall ensure that the interest of the public is served by developing adequate rules for that purpose.
(6) The Council may revoke any license granted to an organisation where the organisation is insolvent, wound up or operating in a manner detrimental to the interests of the public, provided that no decision to revoke existing license shall be made unless the organisation has been given the opportunity of fair hearing.