The Federal Government has inaugurated a new panel of the Advertising Offences Tribunal to strengthen regulatory oversight and promote professionalism in Nigeria’s advertising and marketing communications industry.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, inaugurated the tribunal on Tuesday, describing advertising as more than a tool for promoting goods and services.

Idris said the industry had significant potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, encourage innovation and attract investment, given the size and dynamism of Nigeria’s advertising and marketing communications sector.

He said the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) Act No. 23 of 2022 had significantly strengthened the regulatory framework by replacing the former Advertising Practitioners (Registration, Etc.) Act and establishing ARCON as the successor to the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria.

According to the minister, the legislation also expanded ARCON’s responsibilities and empowered it to prosecute offences under the Act, relevant regulations and industry codes.

He explained that the Advertising Offences Tribunal was established pursuant to Section 37(1) of the ARCON Act to adjudicate offences arising under the law, the Code of Advertising Practice, standards of practice, proclamations and other applicable legislation.

Idris said the tribunal would provide a specialised platform for resolving offences within the advertising sector in an efficient, fair and timely manner.

He added that effective enforcement of industry regulations would help protect consumers, encourage fair competition, raise professional standards and sustain public confidence in the sector.

The minister disclosed that the first panel of the tribunal completed its three-year tenure in May 2026, after which a new panel was nominated and appointed in line with the law.

The newly constituted panel is chaired by Cecilia Olatoregun, a retired Federal High Court judge who also served as the tribunal’s inaugural chairman.

Other members are Musa Ahmed Attah, Merga Tyowanan Kachina, Ken Onyeali Ikpe and Hajia Sa’a Ibrahim.

Idris said the members were selected based on their experience in areas including the judiciary, legal practice, advertising, broadcasting and marketing communications.

He charged the panel to carry out its duties independently and professionally, stressing the importance of fairness and impartiality in determining cases before it.

The minister assured the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria of the Federal Government’s continued support as the agency works towards building a more responsible, professional and internationally competitive advertising industry.

He urged members of the tribunal to ensure that every case was determined on its merits and without bias, saying public confidence in the institution would depend largely on the integrity of its decisions.