The Federal Government said the era of advertisers refusing to pay media houses for advert placements is over.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris who spoke on Tuesday at the inauguration of Advertising Offences Tribunal (AOT), explained that the tribunal is part of the efforts of the Federal Government to strengthen the regulatory framework of Nigeria’s advertising and marketing communications industry, promote professionalism and integrity, as well as to ensure that the industry continues to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Alhaji Idris stated that the government recognised that advertising is far more than the promotion of products and services, describing it as 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 minister stated that the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) new law was expanded to give the council the mandate and powers, including the authority to prosecute offenses established under the Act, relevant regulations, and codes.

“It is within this broader regulatory framework that the Advertising Offences Tribunal assumes its importance,” he added.

According to him, Section 37(1) of the ARCON Act establishes the AOT to adjudicate offenses created under the Act, the Code of Advertising Practice, standards of practice, proclamations, and other relevant enactments made under the law.

“The establishment of the tribunal reflects a clear legislative intention: that offenses within the advertising ecosystem should be addressed through a specialised mechanism capable of delivering justice efficiently, fairly, and without unnecessary delay,” Alhaji Idris stated.

He charged the tribunal headed by Justice Cecilia Olatoregun, to discharge its responsibilities with the highest standards of integrity, independence, fairness, and professionalism.

“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 added.

The Director-General of ARCON, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, disclosed that in the last one year, about N23 billion owed to media houses, which was considered as bad debts, have been recovered by the council.

The DG also added that ARCON has promoted local contents in the media industry, which he said, has created jobs in the country, adding that the aim of the tribunal is to help create s saner advertising industry.

Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Olatoregun, disclosed that the first tribunal, which she also headed, handled 366 cases.

She pledged that the new panel would discharge its responsibilities with integrity, fairness and professionalism.

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