The Nigerian government under has constituted a special tribunal to handle matters concerning adverts in the country.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, inaugurated the members of the court on Tuesday, insisting that the era of advertisers refusing to pay adverts placed on media platforms is over.
He said this was another huge step in the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen the regulatory framework of Nigeria’s advertising and marketing communications industry, promote professionalism, integrity, and ensure that the industry continues to contribute meaningfully to our national development.
Idris said that federal government recognises that advertising is far more than the promotion of products and services, adding that it is a powerful instrument of communication.
“Nigeria has one of Africa’s largest and most dynamic advertising and marketing communications ecosystems, with enormous potential to contribute to economic growth, employment, innovation, and investment,” he said.
“The enactment of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act No. 23 of 2022 was a major milestone in this direction. The Act replaced the former Advertising Practitioners (Registration, Etc.) Act and established ARCON as the successor to the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria.
“More importantly, the new law expanded ARCON’s mandate and powers, including the authority to prosecute offences established under the Act, relevant regulations, and codes. It is within this broader regulatory framework that the Advertising Offences Tribunal assumes its importance.
“The establishment of the Tribunal reflects a clear legislative intention: that offences within the advertising ecosystem should be addressed through a specialized mechanism capable of delivering justice efficiently, fairly, and without unnecessary delay.
“It will help ensure that the rules governing advertising are not merely written on paper but can be meaningfully applied when violations occur. This is essential for protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, strengthening professional standards, and maintaining public confidence in the industry.
“Following the expiration of the three-year tenure of the first panel of the Advertising Offences Tribunal in May 2026, the incoming panel was duly nominated and appointed in accordance with the provisions of the law.
DAILY POST reports that the new panel brings together individuals with considerable experience in the judiciary, legal practice, advertising, broadcasting, and marketing communications.
The Chairman, Honourable Justice Cecilia M. A. Olatoregun, is a Judge Emeritus of the Federal High Court with more than four decades of post-call experience, members include Musa Ahmed Attah, SAN; Merga Tyowanan Kachina, Esq.; Dr. Ken Onyeali Ikpe, FRPA; and Hajia Sa’a Ibrahim.
“I therefore urge the Chairman and members of the Tribunal to discharge your responsibilities with the highest standards of integrity, independence, fairness, and professionalism,” the minister added.
He charged them to treat every matter that comes before them on its merits, without fear or favour, affection or ill will, adding that the Tribunal must be, and must be seen to be, a fair and impartial institution.
Nigerian govt sets up court to tackle fraud, advertising offences