FG sets up advertising tribunal to tackle industry breaches

The Federal Government has inaugurated the newly constituted Advertising Offences Tribunal, a move aimed at strengthening regulation, promoting professionalism and improving accountability 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 step towards building a more responsible and professional advertising sector.

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

The Minister 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.

He charged members of the Tribunal, led by Justice Cecilia M. A. 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 develop a globally competitive Nigerian advertising industry.

Earlier, ARCON Director-General, Dr Olalekan Olumuyiwa Fadolapo, described the inauguration as a major milestone in strengthening regulation and compliance within the sector.

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“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,” Fadolapo said.

The Tribunal’s Chairman, Justice Olatoregun, pledged that the panel would perform its duties with integrity, fairness and professionalism.

“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, SAN; Merga Tyowanan Kachina, Esq.; Dr Ken Onyeali Ikpe, FRPA; and Hajia Sa’a Ibrahim, RPA.

The inauguration was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, including Permanent Secretary Dr Binyerem Ukaire, alongside other government officials and stakeholders.