The Federal Government has inaugurated a newly constituted Advertising Offences Tribunal, reinforcing its commitment to stronger regulation, professional accountability and consumer protection in Nigeria’s advertising and marketing communications industry.

The inauguration follows the expiration of the three-year tenure of the Tribunal’s pioneer panel in May 2026. The new panel was nominated and appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) Act No. 23 of 2022.

Inaugurating the Tribunal on Tuesday in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described its reconstitution as an important step towards building a more professional, responsible and credible advertising ecosystem.

The Minister noted that the ARCON Act 2022 significantly expanded the Council’s regulatory mandate and provided for the establishment of a specialised tribunal to adjudicate offences arising from the Act, as well as relevant advertising regulations and codes.

According to Idris, the creation of the Tribunal demonstrates the government’s intention to ensure that advertising regulations are not merely established on paper but are effectively enforced when breaches occur.

“Let us build an advertising industry that commands creativity, earns trust, and upholds responsibility,” he said.

He explained that an effective adjudicatory mechanism would contribute to protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, raising professional standards and strengthening public confidence in the advertising industry.

The Minister charged members of the new panel, chaired by Justice Cecilia M. A. Olatoregun, to discharge their responsibilities with independence, integrity 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.

He congratulated the Chairman and members of the Tribunal, noting that the new panel brings together professionals with extensive experience spanning the judiciary, legal practice, advertising, broadcasting and marketing communications.

The Minister also assured the Tribunal of the Ministry’s continued support for ARCON and broader efforts to position Nigeria’s advertising industry as a globally competitive sector.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of ARCON, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, described the inauguration as a significant milestone in the Council’s efforts to strengthen regulatory compliance within the industry.

Fadolapo said the Tribunal provides an important institutional framework for ensuring that the industry’s regulatory provisions are backed by an effective mechanism for adjudication.

“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.

He added that the Tribunal would strengthen the enforcement architecture supporting the industry’s regulatory framework.

In her remarks, the Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Cecilia M. A. Olatoregun, pledged that the panel would approach its mandate 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 (Administration) to the Minister, Dr. Sunday Baba, among other government officials and industry stakeholders.