ADDRESS BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND NATIONAL ORIENTATION, MOHAMMED IDRIS, FNIPR, AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE ADVERTISING OFFENCES TRIBUNAL HELD ON TUESDAY, 11TH AUGUST, 2026, AT RADIO HOUSE, ABUJA.
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It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you to this important occasion, the inauguration of the newly constituted Advertising Offenses Tribunal.
Today marks another significant step in the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen the regulatory framework of Nigeria’s advertising and marketing communications industry, promote professionalism and integrity, and ensure that the industry continues to contribute meaningfully to our national development.
The Federal Government recognizes that advertising is far more than the promotion of products and services. It is 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.
The enactment of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act No. 23 of 2022 was a major milestone in this direction. The Act replaced the former Advertising Practitioners (Registration, Etc.) Act and established ARCON as the successor to the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria.
More importantly, the new law expanded ARCON's 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 Offenses Tribunal assumes its importance.
Section 37(1) of the ARCON Act establishes the Tribunal 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 specialized mechanism capable of delivering justice efficiently, fairly, and without unnecessary delay.
It will help ensure that the rules governing advertising are not merely written on paper but can be meaningfully applied when violations occur. This is essential for protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, strengthening professional standards, and maintaining public confidence in the industry.
Following the expiration of the three-year tenure of the first panel of the Advertising Offenses Tribunal in May 2026, the incoming panel was duly nominated and appointed in accordance with the provisions of the law.
I am particularly pleased that the new panel brings together individuals with considerable experience in the judiciary, legal practice, advertising, broadcasting, and marketing communications.
The Chairman, Honourable Justice Cecilia M. A. Olatoregun, is a Judge Emeritus of the Federal High Court with more than four decades of post-call experience. Having previously served as the Tribunal's inaugural Chairman, she brings invaluable judicial experience and institutional knowledge to this new assignment.
The members of the Tribunal — Musa Ahmed Attah, SAN; Merga Tyowanan Kachina, Esq.; Dr. Ken Onyeali Ikpe, FRPA; and Hajia Sa’a Ibrahim, RPA—also bring distinguished professional backgrounds spanning law, arbitration, advertising, marketing communications, broadcasting, and public service.
Collectively, they possess the experience, professional competence, and institutional understanding required for this important responsibility. I congratulate each of you on your appointment.
I therefore urge the Chairman and members of the Tribunal to discharge your 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.
To the Chairman and members of the Tribunal, I urge you to see this appointment not merely as an honour, but as a call to service. Your experience has brought you to this point. Your integrity will define your tenure.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, will continue to support ARCON's work and all legitimate efforts to build a more professional, responsible, and globally competitive advertising industry.
Once again, I congratulate the Chairman and members of the Advertising Offenses Tribunal on your appointment.
Let us build an advertising industry that commands creativity, earns trust, and upholds responsibility.
Thank you.
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