The Nigerian government has established a special tribunal tasked with handling matters related to advertising offences in the country. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, officially inaugurated the members of this court on Tuesday, signalling an end to the practice of advertisers failing to pay for advertisements placed on media platforms.

Minister Idris stated that this initiative represents a significant advancement in the Federal Government's commitment to reinforcing the regulatory framework of Nigeria’s advertising and marketing communications sector. The goal is to foster professionalism, uphold integrity, and ensure the industry's continued contribution to national development. He acknowledged advertising as a potent communication tool, extending beyond mere product and service promotion.

Nigeria boasts one of Africa's most vibrant advertising and marketing communications ecosystems, possessing substantial potential for economic growth, job creation, innovation, and investment. The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) Act No. 23 of 2022 marked a pivotal moment, replacing the former Advertising Practitioners (Registration, Etc.) Act and establishing ARCON as the successor to the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria. This new legislation broadened ARCON's authority, including the power to prosecute offences outlined in the Act, relevant regulations, and codes.

The establishment of the Advertising Offences Tribunal is a direct legislative intent to address violations within the advertising sector through a specialized mechanism designed for efficient, fair, and timely justice delivery. This ensures that advertising rules are not just theoretical but are actively enforced when breaches occur, thereby protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, enhancing professional standards, and maintaining public trust in the industry.

Following the conclusion of the three-year term for the initial panel of the Advertising Offences Tribunal in May 2026, a new panel has been nominated and appointed in accordance with legal provisions. The newly appointed panel comprises individuals with extensive experience in the judiciary, legal practice, advertising, broadcasting, and marketing communications. The tribunal is chaired by Honourable Justice Cecilia M. A. Olatoregun, a Judge Emeritus of the Federal High Court with over four decades of legal experience. Other members include Musa Ahmed Attah, SAN; Merga Tyowanan Kachina, Esq.; Dr. Ken Onyeali Ikpe, FRPA; and Hajia Sa’a Ibrahim.

Minister Idris urged the Chairman and members of the Tribunal to execute their duties with the utmost integrity, independence, fairness, and professionalism. He charged them to adjudicate all matters brought before them based on their merits, free from fear, favour, affection, or ill will, emphasizing that the Tribunal must be perceived as a fair and impartial institution.