By Ere-ebi Agedah Imisi
The Federal Government has inaugurated the Advertising Offences Tribunal to strengthen regulation, improve compliance and promote professionalism in Nigeria’s advertising and marketing communications industry.
The development was contained in a statement issued by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
According to the statement, Idris inaugurated the newly constituted Tribunal on Tuesday in Abuja, describing it as a significant step towards building a more professional, responsible and globally competitive advertising industry.
“Let us build an advertising industry that commands creativity, earns trust, and upholds responsibility,” the minister said.
Idris 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 urged the panel, led 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.
The minister 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 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.
Fadolapo said the Tribunal represented a significant opportunity for the Nigerian advertising industry, noting that Nigeria had not only legislated on advertising but had also established a framework for enforcing the relevant laws.
“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.
The Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Olatoregun, pledged that the panel would discharge 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.
