FG inaugurates Advertising Offences Tribunal to strengthen regulation

By Mashe Umaru Gwamma

The Federal Government has inaugurated the newly constituted Advertising Offences Tribunal as part of efforts to strengthen regulation, promote professionalism and ensure greater integrity in Nigeria’s advertising and marketing communications industry.
This was according to a statement signed and issued by Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Rabiu Ibrahim.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Tuesday at the inauguration of the Tribunal in Abuja, describing the development 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 and relevant advertising regulations and codes.
He urged the new panel, led by Honourable Justice Cecilia M. A. Olatoregun, to carry out its duties 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 build a globally competitive advertising industry.
Speaking earlier, the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Olalekan Olumuyiwa Fadolapo, described the inauguration of the Advertising Offences Tribunal as a major step in strengthening regulation and compliance in 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,” he said.
The Chairman of the Advertising Offences Tribunal, Honourable Justice Cecilia M. A. Olatoregun, pledged that the new panel 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.
Members of the Tribunal are Musa Ahmed Attah, SAN; Merga Tyowanan Kachina Esq; Dr. Ken Onyeali Ikpe, frpa; and Hajia Sa’a Ibrahim.