FG Inaugurates Advertising Offences Tribunal to Strengthen Regulation, Professionalism
FG Inaugurates Advertising Offences Tribunal to Strengthen Regulation, Professionalism
FG Inaugurates Advertising Offences Tribunal to Strengthen Regulation, Professionalism
The Federal Government has inaugurated the newly constituted Advertising Offences Tribunal, marking a significant step towards strengthening regulation, professionalism, accountability and public trust in Nigeria’s advertising and marketing communications industry.
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, performed the inauguration on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, in Abuja, describing the Tribunal as an important development in efforts to build a more responsible and globally competitive advertising sector.
“Let us build an advertising industry that commands creativity, earns trust, and upholds responsibility,” the Minister said.
Idris explained that the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) Act No. 23 of 2022 expanded the regulatory powers of the Council and provided for the establishment of the Tribunal to adjudicate offences arising under the Act, as well as relevant advertising regulations and codes.
He charged the Tribunal, chaired by Honourable 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.
The Minister congratulated the Chairman and members of the Tribunal, assuring them of the Ministry’s continued support for ARCON and its efforts to promote a credible, professional and internationally competitive advertising industry.
ARCON: Tribunal a Major Milestone
Speaking earlier, the Director-General of ARCON, Dr Olalekan Olumuyiwa Fadolapo, described the inauguration as a major milestone in strengthening compliance and regulatory oversight within the industry.
Fadolapo said the Tribunal represents an opportunity to further institutionalise accountability in advertising and provide an appropriate framework for addressing offences under Nigeria’s advertising laws and regulations.
He described the development as a pioneering step in establishing a dedicated legal mechanism for advertising regulation.
Tribunal Pledges Impartiality
The Chairman of the Tribunal, Honourable Justice Cecilia M. A. Olatoregun, pledged that the panel would carry out its responsibilities with integrity, fairness and professionalism.
She described the appointment as a great responsibility and assured the Federal Government and stakeholders that the Tribunal would uphold the principles expected of it.
Members of the newly inaugurated 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 senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, ARCON and other stakeholders.
Among those present were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Binyerem Ukaire; Director, Public Communication and National Orientation, Henshaw Ogubike; Director, Public Relations and Protocol, Dr Suleiman Haruna; and Special Assistant (Administration) to the Minister, Dr Sunday Baba, among other dignitaries.
The establishment of the Tribunal is expected to reinforce compliance with Nigeria’s advertising laws, promote ethical standards and contribute to an industry where creativity is matched by professionalism, accountability and public confidence.
FG Inaugurates Advertising Offences Tribunal to Strengthen Regulation, Professionalism
