KANO FOCUS reports that the tribunal was inaugurated on Tuesday in Abuja by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who described its establishment as an important step towards promoting greater integrity and accountability in the advertising industry.
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Hajiya Ibrahim, a professional advertising practitioner and the longest-serving Director-General of the Abubakar Rimi Television Corporation (ARTV), Kano, is among five members appointed to the tribunal, which is chaired by Justice Cecilia M. A. Olatoregun.
Other members are Musa Ahmed Attah, SAN; Merga Tyowanan Kachina, Esq.; and Dr Ken Onyeali Ikpe.
The inauguration followed the provisions of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) Act No. 23 of 2022, which expanded the council’s regulatory powers and provided for the establishment of the tribunal to adjudicate offences under the Act, advertising regulations and relevant codes.
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Speaking at the inauguration, Mr Idris urged members of the tribunal to discharge their 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 minister said.
He charged the tribunal to maintain its impartiality and ensure that it was seen by stakeholders and the public as a fair and independent institution.
Mr Idris also assured the tribunal members of the continued support of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation for ARCON and efforts to develop a globally competitive advertising industry.
The Director-General of ARCON, Olalekan Fadolapo, described the inauguration as a major development in strengthening regulation and compliance within Nigeria’s advertising industry.
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He said the establishment of the tribunal demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment not only to legislating on advertising but also to creating institutional structures for enforcing compliance.
“The Advertising Offences Tribunal is a big opportunity for the Nigerian advertising industry,” Mr Fadolapo said.
He described the tribunal as a proactive development that would contribute to greater professionalism and accountability in the sector.
**Tribunal pledges fairness**
The chairman of the tribunal, Justice Olatoregun, pledged that the 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.
The inauguration was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Binyerem Ukaire; Director of Public Communication and National Orientation, Henshaw Ogubike; Director of Public Relations and Protocol, Suleiman Haruna; and other senior government officials.
The Federal Government said the tribunal was expected to contribute to a more responsible advertising industry that promotes creativity, earns public trust and upholds professional standards.
