READ ALSO: Information Minister Promotes Ethical AI in Creative Industries
The Information Minister stressed that the enactment of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) Act No. 23 of 2022 had strengthened the legal framework governing the industry by expanding ARCON’s mandate and powers, including the prosecution of offences created under the Act, regulations and relevant codes.
He said the Advertising Offences Tribunal, established under Section 37(1) of the Act, would provide a specialised mechanism for adjudicating offences within the advertising ecosystem.
“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,” Idris said.
According to him, the Tribunal would help ensure that advertising rules were not merely written on paper but effectively applied whenever violations occurred.
“This is essential for protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, strengthening professional standards and maintaining public confidence in the industry”, he stated.
Idris disclosed that the tenure of the first panel of the Tribunal expired in May 2026, after which the new panel was nominated and appointed in accordance with the law.
The minister said the members possessed considerable experience in the judiciary, legal practice, advertising, arbitration, broadcasting, marketing communications and public service.
He urged them to discharge their responsibilities without fear or favour, as well as see their appointments as a call to service rather than merely an honour.
“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. Your experience has brought you to this point. Your integrity will define your tenure,” he noted.
He assured ARCON of the Federal Government’s continued support for efforts to build a more professional, responsible and 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 disclosed.
He said the industry was increasingly being transformed by the growth of the digital economy, making stronger regulation necessary to protect consumers from misleading advertisements and scams.
“We need more regulatory framework, a stronger regulatory framework to ensure that Nigerians who are vulnerable to fake advertising and scammers are now confined within the law to ensure that all this abuse and violation are restricted to the barest minimum,” he stressed.
The Chairman of the Advertising Offences Tribunal, Honourable Justice Cecilia 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 stated.
The inauguration of the new Tribunal is expected to strengthen enforcement of advertising laws and standards and provide a specialised avenue for resolving offences as Nigeria’s advertising industry expands across traditional and digital platforms.
The new panel is chaired by Justice Cecilia M. A. Olatoregun, a Judge Emeritus of the Federal High Court and former inaugural Chairman of the Tribunal.
Other members are Musa Ahmed Attah, Merga Tyowanan Kachina, Dr Ken Onyeali Ikpe, and Hajia Sa’a Ibrahim.
