Bokku! Mart has tendered an apology following public outrage over an advertising video widely condemned for promoting ethnic bias and divisive remarks.
The retail company, in a statement issued by its management on October 31, said it was deeply saddened by the incident, which has drawn criticism from Nigerians and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON).
ARCON had earlier denounced the advert as offensive, unapproved, and a breach of the country’s advertising laws, promising legal action against those involved in its exposure.
In the statement, Bokku! Mart said: “We are deeply saddened and disturbed by a video recently shared online that contained offensive and hurtful language.
“The language used in the video was unacceptable and deeply misaligned with Bokku’s values. While the content originated from an external influencer and was published by a third-party media firm without prior review by our team, we take full responsibility for its appearance on our platforms. We have since strengthened our content approval and vendor oversight processes to ensure such an incident never happens again.
“Bokku Mart is more than a retail brand, we are a proudly Nigerian company built on love for our people and communities. Our mission is to make everyday life better for ALL Nigerians by ensuring access to quality products at affordable prices. We celebrate our nation’s rich diversity and stand firmly against all forms of discrimination.”
