The Federal Government has inaugurated the newly constituted Advertising Offences Tribunal as part of efforts to strengthen regulation, promote professionalism and ensure greater integrity in Nigeria’s advertising and marketing communications industry.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this in Abuja during the inauguration of the Tribunal.
The Minister described the development as a significant step towards building a more professional, responsible and globally competitive advertising industry.
He urged members of the Tribunal to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, independence and fairness.
“Let us build an advertising industry that commands creativity, earns trust, and upholds responsibility,” Idris said.
He explained that the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) Act No. 23 of 2022 expanded the Council’s regulatory powers and provided for the establishment of the Tribunal to adjudicate offences under the Act, as well as relevant advertising regulations and codes.
Idris charged the panel, chaired by Honourable Justice Cecilia M. A. Olatoregun, to ensure that every matter brought before it is considered on its merits, without fear, favour, affection or ill will.
He assured the Tribunal of the Ministry’s continued support for ARCON and efforts aimed at building a globally competitive advertising industry.
Earlier, the Director-General of ARCON, Dr Olalekan Olumuyiwa Fadolapo, described the inauguration as a major milestone in strengthening regulation and compliance within Nigeria’s advertising industry.
Fadolapo said the Tribunal represented an opportunity to further develop the Nigerian advertising sector, noting that the country had taken a proactive approach by not only legislating on advertising but also establishing structures to enforce the law.
On her part, the Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Cecilia M. A. Olatoregun, pledged that the panel would discharge its responsibilities with integrity, fairness and professionalism.
Among the members of the Tribunal is veteran broadcaster and media administrator, Hajia Sa’a Ibrahim, alongside Musa Ahmed Attah, SAN; Merga Tyowanan Kachina, Esq.; and Dr Ken Onyeali Ikpe, FRPA.
The inauguration was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr Binyerem Ukaire, Director, Public Communication and National Orientation, Henshaw Ogubike, Director, Public Relations and Protocol, Dr Suleiman Haruna, and other dignitaries.
The Advertising Offences Tribunal is expected to contribute to improved compliance with Nigeria’s advertising laws, regulations and professional standards, while promoting greater accountability within the industry.