As part of efforts aimed at strengthening regulation, promoting professionalism and ensuring greater integrity in the advertising and marketing communications industry, the Federal Government has announced the inauguration of a newly-constituted Advertising Offences Tribunal (AOT).

Inaugurating the tribunal in Abuja, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the development as part of  the key steps, being taken by the government, towards  building a more professional and responsible advertising industry.

He said one of the priorities of the present government remains building an advertising ecosystem that commands creativity, earns trust, and upholds responsibility.

The minister said the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) Act No. 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 panel, led by Honourable Justice Cecilia  Olatoregun, to carry out its duties with integrity, independence and fairness.

The minister congratulated the chairman and members of the tribunal, assuring them of the ministry’s continued support for ARCON, in its  efforts at building a globally competitive advertising industry.

Speaking earlier, the Director-General of ARCON, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, described the inauguration of the  tribunal as a major step in strengthening regulation and compliance in the advertising industry.

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“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  put structures and frameworks in place,” he said.

The chairman of the tribunal, Honourable Justice 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.