The Lawyers in the Media Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) made a resounding call for stronger ethical safeguards in advertising and media practice at the just-concluded 65th NBA Annual General Conference in Enugu, themed “Stand Out, Stand Tall”.
Delivering his welcome address at the special session on “Advertising Offences, Tribunal and Media Practices in Nigeria” on August 27, 2025, Chairman of the Committee, Adam O. Adedimeji, Esq., underscored the critical role lawyers must play in shaping a responsible media and advertising ecosystem that balances freedom with accountability.
Founded as a bridge between the legal profession and media practice, the NBA Lawyers in the Media Committee has been at the forefront of examining issues related to regulation, professional ethics, and the role of law in a rapidly evolving digital communication landscape. This year’s session was described as one of the most pivotal, given the rise of deceptive advertising, the dominance of digital platforms, and the emergence of artificial intelligence in content creation.
Adedimeji highlighted the establishment of the Advertising Offences Tribunal in May 2023 under the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) Act as a watershed moment in Nigeria’s quest to curb unethical advertising. He noted that the Tribunal, comprising a chairman and four members, was designed as an independent judicial body to handle offences ranging from false claims to unsubstantiated endorsements, thereby protecting consumer trust and industry integrity.
Quoting the landmark Federal High Court judgement of April 2025, which upheld ARCON’s authority to regulate social media advertising, Adedimeji stressed that “no platform, whether Instagram, Facebook, or viral digital trends, is above Nigerian law.” He hailed the decision as a victory against “digital anarchy” and a bold step toward protecting the public from manipulative content online.
The Committee Chair further identified lingering challenges, including deceptive health product promotions, misleading political advertisements, and the growing menace of AI-generated deepfakes. He disclosed that in 2025 alone, hundreds of firms have been charged before the Tribunal for violating ARCON regulations, a sign of the urgent need to intensify oversight.
Adedimeji, however, emphasised that enforcement alone is not enough, calling on media professionals and advertisers to embrace self-regulation and continuous ethical training. He cited ARCON’s Advertising Industry Curriculum (AIC 3.0), launched in July 2025, as a forward-looking initiative equipping practitioners with tools to meet the ethical and technological demands of the modern media space.
“The time for complacency is over,” Adedimeji declared. “We must forge a future where media practice elevates discourse, advertising empowers consumers, and the Tribunal stands as a formidable pillar of justice. Together, we can make Nigeria Africa’s paragon of regulated creativity, where truth prevails and innovation flourishes.”
The session drew wide participation from legal minds, media practitioners, and regulators, who engaged in robust discussions on how to strengthen synergy between law, advertising, and media governance. The Lawyers in the Media Committee pledged to continue driving awareness and advocacy on the need for ethical excellence in the face of fast-paced digital disruptions.
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A Keynote Speech On: The Advertising Offences Tribunal (AOT) and Media Practice in Nigeria
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