The Federal Government has constituted an Advertising Offences Tribunal to adjudicate offences created under the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) Act No.23 of 2022.
The ARCON in a statement issued on Friday disclosed that the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, made the appointments in line with Section 38 of the ARCON Act 2022 and that retired Justice Cecelia Olatoregun was appointed as the Tribunal’s Chairman while four others would serve as members.
According to the Council, the other four members of the Tribunal are Mr. Charles Odenigbo, Barr. Moroof Aileru, Mrs. Julia Oku Jacks, and Mr. Idorenyen Enang.
ARCON further stated that the Tribunal remained an independent specialized judicial body established to ensure equity, openness, fairness, and impartiality in all disputes and offences committed or allegedly committed under the Act.
It expressed optimism that the Tribunal would advocate speedy hearing and timely resolution of all matters before it.
The establishment of the Tribunal by the government is coming a few days after the ARCON commenced the implementation of mandatory vetting of all social media adverts in Nigeria.
Citing the Nigerian Code of Advertising Practice and the ARCON Act to justify its latest move, the Council explained that all skit makers, social media influencers, and bloggers, among others, must seek its approval before advertising any product or service online.
To make real its regulatory initiative, the Council earlier this week released the rates for vetting social media adverts and commenced the implementation of the rates on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.
