By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Federal Government has inaugurated the newly constituted Advertising Offenses 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 at the inauguration of the Tribunal, describing its establishment as an important step towards building a more professional and responsible advertising industry.
Idris urged stakeholders to work towards an advertising sector that combines creativity with accountability and public trust.
“Let us build an advertising industry that commands creativity, earns trust, and upholds responsibility,” the Minister said.
He 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.
The Minister charged the new panel, chaired by Justice Cecilia M. A. Olatoregun, to discharge its 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.
Idris 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 ARCON, Dr Olalekan Olumuyiwa Fadolapo, described the inauguration as a major milestone in strengthening regulation and compliance within the advertising industry.
Fadolapo said the Tribunal represented a significant opportunity for the Nigerian advertising sector, noting that the country had taken a proactive approach by not only legislating on advertising but also establishing structures and frameworks to enforce the law.
“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.
In her remarks, the Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice 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.
Other members of the 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, Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr Binyerem Ukaire; Director, Public Communication and National Orientation, Henshaw Ogubike; Director, Public Relations and Protocol, Dr Suleiman Haruna; Special Assistant (Admin) to the Minister, Dr Sunday Baba; and other dignitaries.
