The Federal Government has inaugurated a new panel of the Advertising Offences Tribunal to strengthen the enforcement of regulations governing Nigeria’s advertising and marketing communications industry.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, inaugurated the panel on Tuesday, declaring that the era of advertisers refusing to pay for advertisements placed on media platforms must end.
Idris said the establishment of the tribunal represented another major step in the government’s efforts to strengthen the regulatory framework of the advertising industry, promote professionalism and integrity, and ensure the sector contributes meaningfully to national development.
According to him, advertising goes beyond the promotion of products and services, describing it as a powerful instrument of communication with significant potential to drive economic growth, employment, innovation and investment.
“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,” he said.
The minister noted that the enactment of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) Act No. 23 of 2022 marked a significant milestone in regulating the sector.
He explained that the law repealed the former Advertising Practitioners (Registration, Etc.) Act and established ARCON as the successor to the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria.
Idris added that the new law expanded ARCON’s mandate and powers, including the authority to prosecute offences under the Act, relevant regulations and industry codes.
He said the Advertising Offences Tribunal was established within this broader regulatory framework to ensure that violations in the advertising ecosystem are addressed through a specialised mechanism capable of delivering justice efficiently and fairly.
“The establishment of the Tribunal reflects a clear legislative intention: that offences within the advertising ecosystem should be addressed through a specialised mechanism capable of delivering justice efficiently, fairly, and without unnecessary delay,” he said.
The minister said the tribunal would help ensure that advertising regulations were effectively enforced, while protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, strengthening professional standards and maintaining public confidence in the industry.
The new panel was constituted following the expiration of the three-year tenure of the first panel in May 2026. The incoming members were nominated and appointed in accordance with the provisions of the law.
The panel is chaired by Justice Cecilia M. A. Olatoregun, Judge Emeritus of the Federal High Court, who has more than four decades of post-call experience.
Other members are Musa Ahmed Attah, SAN; Merga Tyowanan Kachina, Esq.; Dr. Ken Onyeali Ikpe, FRPA; and Hajia Sa’a Ibrahim.
Idris urged the chairman and members to discharge their responsibilities with the highest standards of integrity, independence, fairness and professionalism.
He also charged them to consider every matter before the tribunal 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,” the minister said.
Comments