The Federal Government yesterday inaugurated the Advertising Offences Tribunal.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, inaugurated and swore in members of the tribunal as part of the government’s efforts at strengthening regulation, promoting professionalism and ensuring greater integrity in Nigeria’s advertising and marketing communications industry.
Speaking during the ceremony, Idris described the development as an important step towards building a more professional and 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 Number 23 of 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 Honourable Justice Cecilia M. A. Olatoregun-led panel to carry out its duties 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.
The minister 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.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Olalekan Olumuyiwa Fadolapo, said: ‘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.
The Chairman of the Advertising Offences Tribunal, Honourable Justice Cecilia M. A. 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 said.
Members of the tribunal are: Musa Ahmed Attah (SAN), Merga Tyowanan Kachina, Dr. Ken Onyeali Ikpe, and Hajia Sa’a Ibrahim.
Dignitaries at the event included the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem Ukaire; the Director, Public Communication and National Orientation, Henshaw Ogubike; the Director, Public Relations and Protocol, Suleiman Haruna, PhD; the Special Assistant (Admin.) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Sunday Baba, among other dignitaries.