₦airaland Forum

The Federal government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has released the first trench of the Copyright Levy under Section 89 of the Copyright Act 2022, in the sum of One Billion, Two Hundred and Five Million, Nine Hundred and Fifty-Six Thousand, Five Hundred and Eighty Naira, Twenty Kobo (N1,205,956,580.20) for musical works and sound recordings.

MCSN, in a statement, thanked President Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, and the DG of the Nigeria Copyright Commission, Dr. John Ohi Asein in ensuring that the said money was released to MCSN.

The collecting body said the roles played by the Honourable Minister of Finance and the Accountant General of the Federation are highly noted and greatly valued.

The statement further noted that the payment falls on all fours with the renewed hope agenda of the present government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to make the creative industry a very viable sector in the Nigerian economy.

The copyright levy has been one of the legal provisions of Copyright Laws in Nigeria since 1988, but never been implemented until President Bola Tinubu came into power.

“This is not politics but economic reality. The copyright levy has been part of Nigeria’s copyright laws since 1988, but had never been implemented until now.”

MCSN assured that the eventual disbursement of the fund will certainly reach the grassroots and every Nigerian creator, no matter where they are located, in order to begin to actually lift the poor musicians out of deep poverty.

MCSN said the funds would be disbursed to reach musicians and rights holders at the grassroots, adding that the intervention was aimed at lifting struggling creators out of poverty and extending copyright benefits beyond major urban centres.

The society also responded to criticisms from industry groups, saying that some interests had, for decades, undermined efforts to build an effective copyright system in Nigeria.

“We are not unaware of the grumblings of certain interests fronting some Nigerian entities to continue with the unprofitable actions of more than 30 years, to hold down the progress of the Nigerian music industry. They have been operating under various guises, confusing the copyright system, thus preventing it from delivering the desired results to our creatives, particularly in the music industry.

“The latest of such antics is the one being peddled by Record Labels Proprietors Initiative (RELPI), which is falsely campaigning that they represent sound recording owners, without properly defining their status and interests.

“For a start, sound recordings are a shared interest between record producers and performers (performing musicians) whose performances were recorded. The rights in sound recordings are normally shared between the producers and performers, in certain territories at the ratio of 50% a-piece.

“In Nigeria, most performers (performing musicians) whose performances were recorded in albums are direct members and assignors of MCSN, vis-à-vis many independent record producers and label owners. These are the real owners of sound recordings in Nigeria”.

MCSN also noted that the Performing Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN), which is the only legally recognised union/association of performing musicians and employers of musicians (including recording producers and labels), has a subsisting agreement with MCSN, with which MCSN represents the copyright interests of all performers and producers in Nigeria.

Every country determines how intellectual property, particularly copyright, is protected within its territories in line with relevant international, bilateral, and multilateral conventions and treaties. Nigeria is not an exception, as it has in place its law, the Copyright Act 2022, under which copyright in seven or eight categories of works/rights are protected within the Nigerian economy and market.

“RELPI, based on their public statement and publication, consists of only 9 entities, namely: Mavin Record, Chocolate City, Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), Premier Records, Universal Music Group (UMG), Sony Music Entertainment (SME), Warner Music Group (WMG), Digital Music Commerce & Exchange (DMCE), and Hypertek Digital.

“These entities are mostly foreign-interest dominated who mostly operate within the collective management system in their various home countries. The collective management systems in their various home countries, particularly UMG, WMG, and SME, are operating very well with these entities as members, either as publishers or producers.

“Coming to Nigeria, they are presenting the picture that nothing good works in Nigeria, without taking any step to support what the government is building through the MCSN, AVRS, and REPRONIG; the three collective management organisations (CMOs) operating in Nigeria. Lifting the veil a bit more, certain members of RELPI are agents or lawyers acting as agents of certain of these foreign entities, and as agents, they are merely fighting to protect and sustain their expected commission.

In all, the activities and campaigns of RELPI are for the foreign entities to take over the Nigerian creative market using the back door, through the cover of copyright ownership. This most certainly is against the fundamental national interest of Nigeria and Nigerians. It is also against the policy of the African Union, which is working towards making and establishing strong CMOs in its member countries,” the statement revealed.

MCSN noted further that virtually all the entities in RELPI are members of CMOs, namely ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, PRS, SACEM, and SAMRO, all in the United States of America, the United Kingdom, France, and South Africa, to mention a few.

In line with international norms and best practices, MCSN will administer the rights of ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, PRS, SACEM, SAMRO, etc. in Nigeria and remit the appropriate royalties to them after deducting the appropriate taxes for the Nigerian government.

This is one key area that the people in RELPI are apparently not considering. No Nigerian, not even RELPI, can go to the USA, UK, Kenya, or South Africa to dictate to the government of those countries on how they should run their copyright system. Nigeria will not give room to this.

The Nigerian government, in line with its obligation under the Berne Convention and WIPO Copyright Treaty, enacted the Copyright Act 2022 under which MCSN was licensed and approved to collectively manage the rights in musical works and sound recordings, aside from other separate organisations for other classes of works/rights. Doing otherwise will most certainly leave the system in another round of chaos.

The statement added that every discerning Nigerian author, composer, publisher, performer, and producer of music is aligned with MCSN for the collective administration of their copyright.

The collective management system is the only viable avenue through which the Nigerian Government can effectively administer and enforce copyright, including the copyright levy scheme.

RELPI, on the other hand, has opted out of the collective management system. Can RELPI, in all good conscience, now want to benefit from the same system it has opted out of?.

“We want to state that with the benefit of hindsight of more than 30 years, the current Copyright Act 2022 and its implementation by the Nigerian Copyright Commission and Federal Ministry of Justice, have brought sanity and progress to the copyright system, particularly in the collective management of copyright.

“This has effectively reduced, if not outrightly eliminated, the confusion that has bedevilled the music industry for more than three decades, particularly concerning getting users of music and its related products to respect the right granted to musical works and sound recordings by law, by paying due royalties.

“Since this is an issue deep in legal implications, we will limit our public reaction for now and concentrate on the work at hand”, the statement concluded.


PMAN commends FG

In a statement signed by PMAN President, Pretty Okafor, “PMAN specially commends MCSN—especially Mr. Mayowa Ayilaran (CEO MCSN) for their public communication and for the diligence it has demonstrated in advancing the collective administration of rights within the Nigerian music sector.

“We also formally appreciate and commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Federal Government of Nigeria for the policy direction and administrative resolve that has made this first release possible.

PMAN acknowledges the roles of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Dr. John O. Asein, Director-General Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), and all relevant public institutions whose efforts contributed to the emergence of this milestone.

“In PMAN’s view, the practical implementation of the levy scheme represents a meaningful step towards building a stronger creative economy consistent with the national agenda for economic growth and improved welfare for citizens working in the entertainment sector.”

Continuing, he stated, “that the Copyright Levy is not a new invention of industry actors, nor is it a discretionary “gift” that can be administered without law. It is a statutory scheme expressly provided for under Section 89 of the Copyright Act 2022, which contemplates a levy on materials used or capable of being used to infringe copyright.

“The significance of this provision is straightforward: it reflects a deliberate legislative policy that recognises the realities of copying and reproduction in modern markets and creates a mechanism—through lawful collection and disbursement—to compensate right owners whose works are exploited.

The levy framework also establishes that the relevant regulatory institutions of state, particularly the NCC, have statutory functions in relation to the administration of copyright and the disbursement ecosystem contemplated by the law.

What matters most to PMAN is that the system is implemented with clarity, transparency, and strict accountability so that the intended beneficiaries—especially grassroots performers—can see measurable, verifiable outcomes.”

PMAN further notes, as a matter of important institutional history, “that PMAN has not merely observed these reforms from the sidelines. On 1 July 2020, PMAN—under the leadership of President Pretty Okafor—entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with MCSN.

That MOU was designed to strengthen cooperation around licensing compliance, enforcement support, and the practical protection of performing musicians’ rights.”

The body also noted that this agreement has helped to further cement and safeguard the rights and welfare interests of performing musicians within the evolving collective management landscape in Nigeria.

“The purpose of such collaboration is not symbolism; it is to ensure that the protection of performers’ rights moves beyond theory into real-world outcomes—namely, improved compliance by users of music, enhanced royalty culture, and better economic conditions for the people who create and perform the music Nigerians enjoy every day,” he added.

He also pointed out that “this is the moment for Nigeria to make a broader and more deliberate commitment to the entertainment sector, as the music industry is not merely a cultural expression; but a serious economic asset—one that sustains thousands of livelihoods, exports Nigerian identity globally, attracts tourism and investment, and creates opportunities for young Nigerians.

When intellectual property systems are properly built and consistently enforced, the sector becomes more investable, more professional, and better structured to deliver jobs, taxes, and national prestige.”

In view of the above, PMAN therefore calls on the government, regulators, private sector stakeholders, and the general public to continue to support the Nigerian music industry, not only through commendable policy actions, but also through practical commitments that strengthen institutions, improve compliance by commercial users of music, and expand the welfare impact of copyright-driven revenues across all states of the federation.

“He further stated that “PMAN remains firmly committed to transparency and accountability in the administration of creators’ earnings and in all processes that touch the welfare of performers.

The credibility of any collection and disbursement system will always rest on public confidence, open governance, and verifiable accounting.

PMAN will therefore continue to play its responsible role in supporting lawful initiatives that protect performers, encourage compliance, and promote the stability of the entertainment ecosystem, while urging all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue, respect due process, and avoid actions that undermine the long-term growth of Nigerian creativity.”

Finally, PMAN commends MCSN on the announcement and thanks President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government of Nigeria for demonstrating the political will to advance the creative economy through the implementation of lawful frameworks, even as it looks forward to a sustained progress that reaches the grassroots and meaningfully improves the welfare of Nigerian performing musicians nationwide.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/music/855966-mcsn-confirms-receipt-of-₦1-21bn-copyright-levy-from-federal-govt.html?tztc=1

PMAN in the pocket

Nollywood loading...

The more you look the less you see

Is this the next important agenda?

Campaign strategy!
2027 is around the corner every sector must be baptized.

Both direct and indirect sectors are being taken care off by this government

Tinubu, the strategist!

Everyone must be bought

Another audio Lamba from the illegitimate government of lies and propaganda

otilo!


but in all seriousness, if you decide to embark on a career in the arts; you shouldn't necessarily expect the government to take care of you when you're old or get any extra benefits from them.

with that being said, this at the very least sets a legal framework for artistes to be fairly compensated for their IP.

that is if record label no rip them sha

That's the drift.

Campaign in progress.

Campaign time has not even started.
Money will flood many platforms and the coffers of many associations that many still standing or little folks remaining with conscience would be swept away.

That's the mandate.

Easy peasy:
look for people with followership,
give them the money their generations past have never seen before, and promise them more,
tax a common man to death if possible...
Borrow internally, borrow internationally

Then put all those on R.EP.E.A.T mode


By the team an average Nigerian who has vowed never to think or reason for himself finally reasons, there may not be a country left again.


It is called state capture.

PMAN in the bag for Tinubu, man is just desperate for his second term. Campaign don start, them go dey roll out money anyhow. There is enough money if these people in power are not greedy.

ObasaHF:
Campaign strategy!
2027 is around the corner every sector must be baptized.

You are in spirit my dear

MONEY MUST MISS AND THE EXCOS WILL FIGHT OVER THE MONEY.

This life no balance,some people are hailing while some people are wailing

ObasaHF:
Campaign strategy!
2027 is around the corner every sector must be baptized.

he wouldn’t have won in 2023 if he had not don’t that

Hehe tinubu election jingle go yapa now. Hehe smart crook

Seems like some people don't like that he released the money.

Don Jazzy and nine others want to gate keep
as usual and collect what belongs to all musicians. Using dubious RELPI. The rich want to become richer at the expense of the poor. MCSN is wiser and smarter than the self appointed greedy gate keeper.

Anything the FGN does now, will be termed as campaign or buying votes or whatever! Must governance be stalled because of politics?
I don't understand what manner of people occupied these country!

Pakute:
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/music/855966-mcsn-confirms-receipt-of-₦1-21bn-copyright-levy-from-federal-govt.html?tztc=1

2027 elections campaign bribe, we understand the intentions from afar.

Democracy in Nigeria died the day Tinubu was inaugurated President of Nigeria, Infact, he started like a dictator that "subsidy is gone" without consultations, the result is plunging Nigeria into abject poverty.
, a terrible statement/decision we haven't recovered from.

From passing the budget through flash drive to the voting on Whatsapp by Senators and House of Representative members to sending fighter jets to Benin without Senate approval to approving a bill he didn't even read that was passed in less than 24 hours to the tax fraud gazette...the list is endless and it all happened in less than 3 years, imagine what Nigerians will face in a full 8 years period.

The two other arms of Government virtually don't even exist, they exist only on paper because Tinubu controls them like a remote control or he already cast a spell on them via his infinity cap...The Judiciary and Legislative arms of Government are the most useless in the history of Nigeria and their names will be remembered decades to come for helping to end the Democracy they were meant to protect.

Tinubu might as well be the last President in Nigeria, APC is playing with a storm that will consume them all, they forget other parties are also planning towards 2027 and prepared for whatever outcome...las las we burn everything down.

2027 loading already. More to come

Gather here if you no truly understand what the money is meant for and you no get time to dey read epistle

And light no dey nigeria.issokay

Is it for the FG to distribute money for creative works? I always thought copyright is about being the owner of the music/movie/story ... and having it copyrighted means that anyone wanting to use it or part of it must get permission from the creator. This involves a fee. and if the person use the material without authorization...then the person can be sued. So how does the FG fit into this picture? These people sit all day and discuss how to loot

ObasaHF:
Campaign strategy!
2027 is around the corner every sector must be baptized.

Don't mind the rogue party
They play politics with everything thinking that they are smart and strategic

This crook believe he can buy people with his money sha. All na 2027 campaign strategy. Vote Tinubu in 2027 and regret pro max raise to power 100

All for 2027 election


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His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) has done it again!

Our President is just versatile and knows what’s demanded in every sector, to boost and encourage home grown entertainers.

God bless His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR)

For those interested in the subject matter rather than making ignorant comments


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qz626jGJeys?si=OhE_-TFqcpxKMk1B

https://businessday.ng/life-arts/article/nigerian-music-industry-risks-billions-in-lost-royalties-amid-copyright-levy-dispute/

If he nor do am, your father go still wail. Meanwhile, locate your mates to know what's happening in your camp, but if nor get, enter soak way and close the lid.

DLSReigns:
Is this the next important agenda?

Election time don near. The government is wooing people everywhere with money 💰 🤑 to answer a good name. Lobbyists dey on the other side dey pack money in millions of dollars.

Lols make I sha no talk wettin dey my mind