FG inaugurates advertising tribunal panel

By Abubakar Yunus

The federal government has inaugurated a newly constituted advertising offenses tribunal as part of efforts to strengthen the regulation of Nigeria’s advertising and marketing communications industry.
The government said the tribunal would promote professionalism and integrity, while ensuring that the advertising industry continues to contribute meaningfully to our national development.
Speaking at the inauguration yesterday, Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, said advertising goes beyond the promotion of products and services, describing it as a powerful instrument of communication.
“Nigeria has one of Africa’s largest and most dynamic advertising and marketing communications ecosystems, with enormous potential to contribute to economic growth, employment, innovation, and investment,” the minister said.
“The enactment of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act No. 23 of 2022 was a major milestone in this direction. The Act replaced the former Advertising Practitioners (Registration, Etc.) Act and established ARCON as the successor to the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria.
“More importantly, the new law expanded ARCON’s mandate and powers, including the authority to prosecute offenses established under the Act, relevant regulations, and codes.
“It is within this broader regulatory framework that the Advertising Offenses Tribunal assumes its importance.
Idris said the advertising offenses tribunal was established under Section 37(1) of the ARCON Act to adjudicate offences created under the Act, the code of advertising practice, standards of practice, proclamations and other relevant enactments.
He said the tribunal would provide a specialised mechanism for addressing offenses within the advertising ecosystem efficiently, fairly, and without unnecessary delay.
According to the minister, the tribunal would help ensure that rules governing the industry are effectively enforced, while protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, strengthening professional standards and maintaining public confidence.
“Following the expiration of the three-year tenure of the first panel of the Advertising Offenses Tribunal in May 2026, the incoming panel was duly nominated and appointed in accordance with the provisions of the law,” Idris said.
He said the panel comprised individuals with extensive experience in the judiciary, legal practice, advertising, broadcasting and marketing communications.
Cecilia Olatoregun, a judge emeritus of the federal high court, was appointed chairman of the tribunal.
Olatoregun, who has more than four decades of post-call experience, previously served as the tribunal’s inaugural chairman.
Other members are Musa Ahmed Attah, Merga Tyowanan Kachina, Ken Onyeali Ikpe, and Hajia Sa’a Ibrahim.
The minister said the members possess the experience, professional competence, and institutional understanding required for the responsibility.

Idris urged the chairman and members to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, independence, fairness and professionalism.

“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 added.

Idris said the federal government, through the ministry of information and national orientation, would continue to support ARCON and its efforts to build a more professional, responsible and globally competitive advertising industry.