News
Federal Court Endorses ARCON’s Regulatory Oversight Powers
Federal High Court in Lokoja upholds ARCON Act 2022, affirming its regulatory powers over advertising and dismissing Godec Power’s lawsuit
The Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja has upheld the ARCON Act 2022, affirming its constitutional validity, scope, and enforceability over advertising regulation in Nigeria.
Also read: ARCON, NBA-LIM Convene Town-Hall To Deepen Stakeholders’ Legal Knowledge In Advertising
Delivering the judgment on November 12, 2025, Hon. Justice Isa Dashen dismissed the suit filed by Godec Power Nigeria Ltd, which challenged ARCON’s authority over outdoor advertising.
The court affirmed that the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has powers to regulate advertising content across all platforms targeting the Nigerian market.
Godec Power had contended that ARCON lacked oversight of outdoor signage, arguing that such matters fall under the exclusive control of Local Government Councils.
The company also claimed that ARCON’s Notice of Violation infringed on its fundamental right to freedom of expression, seeking 13 reliefs including a perpetual injunction and ₦100 million in damages.
Justice Dashen rejected all arguments, noting that advertising regulation is not solely a residual matter and that the National Assembly acted within its constitutional authority when enacting the ARCON Act 2022.
On the freedom-of-expression claim, the court held that ARCON’s pre-approval requirement is a lawful regulatory measure, stating:
“The regulatory pre-approval requirement does not suppress expression; it merely ensures that public communications conform to lawful standards of decency, truthfulness and fairness…
Such regulation is a legitimate incident of state oversight.”
The court also dismissed claims that ARCON’s powers are limited to professional advertisers, affirming that the Act applies broadly to “any and every person who engages in, regulates, sponsors or takes benefit of advertising services.”
Godec Power’s suit was fully dismissed, and the court awarded ₦500,000 in costs to each defendant, including the Attorney-General of the Federation and ARCON.
Also read: ARCON Disowns AI-generated Tinubu Ad as Misleading Fraud
The ruling follows a recent similar affirmation by the Federal High Court in Lagos in the Massilia Motors v. ARCON case, further solidifying the regulatory authority of ARCON over advertising practices in Nigeria.
The Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Governor Dauda Lawal, has received the ZIK International Peace and Leadership Award in Ghana, with organisers recognising what they described as his administration’s achievements in public sector leadership and economic reforms.
The governor was honoured at the 7th ZIK International Peace and Leadership Award ceremony, held on Friday at the British Council in Accra. The event featured a lecture themed: “Leadership, Peace, and Regional Integration: Advancing Africa’s Development in a Changing Global Order.”
According to the organisers, Lawal’s award was based, among other considerations, on his administration’s progress in public sector leadership and economic reforms in Zamfara State.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the ZIK Pan-African Award, His Royal Highness Professor Echefuna R.G. Onyeabadi, noted that the award was established to recognise individuals making meaningful contributions to the service of their people.
Receiving the award, Governor Lawal dedicated the honour to the people of Zamfara State, stating that it would further motivate his administration to intensify efforts toward transforming the state.
“This award is dedicated to all the people of Zamfara State. My administration has been working tirelessly to ensure the state can compete with any other in Nigeria. That was our promise and we have surpassed expectations in just three years,” Lawal said.
The governor highlighted key projects and reforms undertaken by his administration, including urban renewal initiatives, the construction of a modern airport and sweeping reforms in security, education, healthcare and the civil service. He noted that the newly constructed airport was particularly significant, as Zamfara had not benefited from such infrastructure in over 30 years since the creation of the state.
“We have made great strides in security, civil service reform, education, health and other sectors,” the governor added.
Lawal thanked the organisers for the recognition, saying the award would encourage him to do even more for the people of Zamfara.
“It means a lot to me and will motivate me to do even more for my people. Zamfara is on the rise,” he said.
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