FG Inaugurates Advertising Offences Tribunal

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

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the inauguration of the tribunal, describing its establishment as an important step towards building a more professional and responsible 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 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 urged the tribunal, chaired by Justice Cecilia M. A. Olatoregun, to discharge its 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 build a globally competitive advertising industry.

The Director-General of ARCON, Dr Olalekan Olumuyiwa Fadolapo, described the inauguration as a major development in strengthening regulation and compliance within the advertising 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,” Fadolapo said.

In her remarks, Olatoregun pledged that the tribunal would discharge its responsibilities 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; Dr Ken Onyeali Ikpe; and Hajia Sa’a Ibrahim.

The inauguration was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr Binyerem Ukaire; Director, Public Communication and National Orientation, Henshaw Ogubike; Director, Public Relations and Protocol, Suleiman Haruna; and Special Assistant (Admin) to the Minister, Dr Sunday Baba, among other dignitaries.