FG Inaugurates Tribunal to Sanction Advertising Offences
In a significant move to bolster regulation, uphold professionalism, and foster trust within Nigeria’s advertising and marketing communications sector, the Federal Government has officially inaugurated the newly established Advertising Offences Tribunal.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized the importance of this development in cultivating a more responsible and credible advertising industry.
“Let us build an advertising industry that commands creativity, earns trust, and upholds responsibility,” Idris declared.
He highlighted that the legislative framework, specifically the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) Act No. 23 of 2022, expanded the regulatory authority’s scope and established the Tribunal to adjudicate offences under the Act and related advertising standards.
The Minister called on the Tribunal, led by Honourable Justice Cecilia M. A. Olatoregun, to operate 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 advised.
Conveying his support, the Minister assured the Tribunal’s members of the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the industry’s global competitiveness and ethical standards.
Earlier, ARCON’s Director-General, Dr. Olalekan Olumuyiwa Fadolapo, described the Tribunal’s inauguration as a major milestone for industry regulation, noting that Nigeria’s proactive legislative approach is a pioneering effort on the global stage.
“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 stated.
Justice Cecilia M. A. Olatoregun, Chair of the Tribunal, committed to executing her responsibilities with professionalism and impartiality.
“It is a great honour 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 affirmed.
The Tribunal’s membership comprises notable industry and legal professionals, including Musa Ahmed Attah, SAN; Merga Tyowanan Kachina Esq; Dr. Ken Onyeali Ikpe, FRPA; and Hajia Sa’a Ibrahim, RPA.
The event was attended by key government officials and industry stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem Ukaire, along with other senior officials and dignitaries.
This landmark development signals Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to fostering an ethical, transparent, and globally competitive advertising industry—setting a precedent for responsible industry regulation in Africa and beyond.