The Federal Government has inaugurated the newly constituted Advertising Offences Tribunal to strengthen regulation and professionalism in Nigeria’s advertising industry.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, inaugurated the tribunal on Tuesday in Abuja.
Idris described the development as an important step towards building a more responsible advertising industry.
“Let us build an advertising industry that commands creativity, earns trust, and upholds responsibility,” he said.
The minister said the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, ARCON, Act 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 tribunal, chaired by Justice Cecilia M. A. Olatoregun, to uphold 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,” Idris said.
Earlier, ARCON Director-General, Olalekan Fadolapo, described the tribunal as a major step towards strengthening 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.
Olatoregun pledged that the tribunal 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.
Other members are Musa Ahmed Attah, SAN; Merga Tyowanan Kachina; Dr Ken Onyeali Ikpe; and Hajia Sa’a Ibrahim.
