Federal Government has inaugurated the newly constituted Advertising Offences Tribunal to strengthen regulation, promote professionalism and enhance integrity in Nigeria’s advertising and marketing communications industry.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said this today in Abuja at the inauguration of the tribunal, describing its establishment as an important step towards building a more professional and responsible advertising industry.
The Minister said 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.
He urged the tribunal, chaired by Justice Cecilia M. A. Olatoregun, to discharge its responsibilities with integrity, independence and fairness.
Idris congratulated the chairman and members of the tribunal, assuring them of the ministry’s continued support for ARCON and efforts to build a globally competitive advertising industry.
Also Speaking, Director-General of ARCON, Dr Olalekan Olumuyiwa Fadolapo, described the inauguration as a major development in strengthening regulation and compliance within the advertising industry.
Dr Fadolapo described the Advertising Offences Tribunal as a big opportunity for the Nigerian advertising industry being the first of its kind in the world as Nigeria has taken a proactive step not only to legislate on advertising, but also to put structures and frameworks in place.
In her remarks, Olatoregun pledged that the tribunal would discharge its responsibilities with integrity, fairness and professionalism.
Other members of the tribunal are Musa Ahmed Attah, SAN; Merga Tyowanan Kachina; Dr Ken Onyeali Ikpe; and Hajia Sa’a Ibrahim.
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, Suleiman Haruna; and Special Assistant (Admin) to the Minister, Dr Sunday Baba, among other dignitaries.
