FG Inaugurates Advertising Offences Tribunal to Strengthen Industry Regulation
The Federal Government has inaugurated the newly constituted Advertising Offences Tribunal as part of efforts to strengthen regulation, promote professionalism and enhance integrity in Nigeria’s advertising and marketing communications industry.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja during the inauguration of the Tribunal, describing the development as a significant 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 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.
Idris urged members of the new panel, 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.
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, the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Olalekan Olumuyiwa Fadolapo, described the inauguration as a major milestone in strengthening regulation and compliance in Nigeria’s 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.
The Chairman of the Tribunal, Honourable Justice Cecilia M. A. Olatoregun, pledged that the 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 Advertising Offences 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 the Permanent Secretary of Information and National Orientation, Dr Binyerem Ukaire; Director, Public Communication and National Orientation, Henshaw Ogubike; Director, Public Relations and Protocol, Suleiman Haruna, PhD; and Special Assistant (Admin) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Dr Sunday Baba, among other dignitaries.
The development is expected to further strengthen enforcement of advertising laws and regulations while promoting greater accountability, professionalism and ethical standards across Nigeria’s advertising and marketing communications industry.
By TimesNG