The Nigerian government has officially established a special tribunal dedicated to managing legal disputes and fraudulent activities within the country’s advertising sector. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, swore in the new members on Tuesday, signaling an end to the practice where advertisers evade payments for media services.
This initiative aims to bolster the regulatory framework of Nigeria’s marketing and communications industry, fostering higher standards of professionalism and integrity. Minister Idris highlighted that Nigeria possesses one of the most vibrant advertising sectors in Africa, capable of driving substantial economic growth, job creation, and investment.
The creation of this tribunal follows the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act of 2022, which significantly broadened the authority of ARCON to include the prosecution of regulatory breaches. The tribunal is designed to provide a specialized venue for resolving industry disputes, ensuring that advertising laws are actively enforced rather than simply existing on paper. This structure is intended to protect consumers, encourage fair competition, and uphold public trust in professional advertising standards.
The new panel, appointed following the term expiration of the previous group, features experts from the judiciary, legal, and marketing fields. Retired Federal High Court Judge Cecilia M. A. Olatoregun will chair the tribunal, supported by members Musa Ahmed Attah, Merga Tyowanan Kachina, Dr. Ken Onyeali Ikpe, and Hajia Sa’a Ibrahim. Minister Idris urged the newly appointed members to operate with complete independence and fairness, emphasizing the need for the body to function as an impartial institution that handles all cases strictly on their merits.
