FG Inaugurates Advertising Offences Tribunal To Strengthen Industry Regulation

The Federal Government has inaugurated the newly constituted Advertising Offences Tribunal as part of efforts to strengthen regulation, promote professionalism and enhance integrity in Nigeria’s advertising and marketing communications industry.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, inaugurated the Tribunal on Tuesday in Abuja, describing its establishment as an important milestone in the development of a more professional, responsible and globally competitive advertising industry.

“Let us build an advertising industry that commands creativity, earns trust, and upholds responsibility,” Idris said.

The Minister said the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) Act No. 23 of 2022 expanded the regulatory powers of the Council and provided for the establishment of the Tribunal to adjudicate offences under the Act, as well as relevant advertising regulations and codes.

He urged members of the Tribunal, led by Honourable Justice Olatoregun, to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, independence and fairness.

“Every matter that comes before you should be considered on its merits, without fear or favour, affection or ill will. The Tribunal must be, and must be seen to be, a fair and impartial institution,” he said.

Idris congratulated the Chairman and members of the Tribunal, assuring them of the Ministry’s continued support for ARCON and efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s advertising industry.

He said effective regulation remained essential to ensuring that advertising practices reflected professional standards, protected the public interest and promoted confidence in the industry.

Speaking earlier, the Director-General of ARCON, Dr. Olalekan Olumuyiwa Fadolapo, described the inauguration as a major step towards strengthening compliance and regulatory oversight in the advertising sector.

Fadolapo said the Tribunal would provide an institutional framework for addressing offences and promoting adherence to established rules within the industry.

“The Advertising Offences Tribunal is a big opportunity for the Nigerian advertising industry. It is the first of its kind in the world because Nigeria has taken a proactive step not only to legislate on advertising, but also to put structures and frameworks in place,” he said.

He said the development demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to establishing stronger regulatory structures for the advertising and marketing communications industry.

The Chairman of the Advertising Offences Tribunal, Honourable Justice Cecilia M. A. Olatoregun, pledged that the panel would discharge its duties with integrity, fairness and professionalism.

She described her appointment as an honour and a responsibility to serve the country, promising that the Tribunal would uphold the principles expected of it.

“It is a great honour to be called upon to serve our country, and we take this responsibility very seriously. You have asked us to work with integrity, and that is what we are going to do,” she said.

Other members of the Tribunal are Musa Ahmed Attah, Merga Tyowanan Kachina, Dr. Ken Onyeali Ikpe, and Hajia Sa’a Ibrahim.