News
Public Use of Music Without Authorisation Now a Jailable Offence – NCC DG
Joel Ajayi
The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has issued a public advisory, mandating that businesses and organisations using copyrighted content in their operations must obtain the appropriate licences or authorisations in accordance with the Copyright Act, 2022.
In a statement signed by its Director-General, Dr. John Asein, the NCC drew attention to the legal requirement for operators of public and commercial venues—including hotels, guest houses, clubs, lounges, bars, restaurants, malls, supermarkets, shops, event centres, gyms, theatres, cinema halls, banking halls, aircraft, public transport systems, television and radio stations, telecom companies, and digital service providers pto obtain authorisation from copyright owners, typically represented by their Collective Management Organisations (CMOs), before using such content in public.
The Commission emphasised that the newly enacted Copyright Act strengthens the rights of authors, creators, and performers of musical works, sound recordings, and audiovisual content. These rights include exclusive control over the public performance, communication, and dissemination of their works.
“In line with the Federal Government’s policy to ensure adequate returns on creative investments and to grow the creative economy, operators must now secure the appropriate licences for the use of copyrighted content,” the statement noted.
The NCC warned that businesses found in violation of the law risk facing both civil and criminal penalties.
“To remain compliant, operators are urged to obtain the necessary permissions through CMOs accredited by the Commission. These include the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria Ltd/Gte (MCSN) for musical works and sound recordings, and the Audiovisual Rights Society of Nigeria Ltd/Gte (AVRS) for film and audiovisual works.
To enforce compliance, the Commission announced that Copyright Officers will begin conducting routine inspections at venues across the country where copyrighted music or audiovisual content is used.
News
Tinubu, PDP Hail Gov Okpebholo’s Road Infrastructural Revolution in Edo
Joel Ajayi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the infrastructural strides of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, particularly the ongoing construction of the state’s first-ever flyover bridge, describing it as a landmark intervention in easing urban traffic and modernizing Edo’s transport system.
The President extolled the governor’s foresight in embarking on the one-kilometre flyover project at Ikpoba Hill in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, noting that its completion would transform vehicular movement and strengthen the urban fabric of Benin City.
Tinubu praised Okpebholo’s early performance in office, affirming that the governor had set a new standard of governance in Edo.
The president represented by the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, emphasized that the governor’s bold approach to road and bridge construction in the State underscores the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) progressive agenda.
“This is a 24-span structure, each span measuring 20 meters, amounting to a one-kilometre bridge. The quality and pace of work are impressive. Edo is witnessing a first, and I believe more such projects should follow in Benin City to address the heavy traffic,” Umahi conveyed on behalf of the President.
The Minister contrasted the efficiency of state-driven projects with some federal contracts, lamenting that contractors often display greater discipline when working under governors than when handling federal assignments.
He pledged to enforce stricter accountability standards at the federal level to ensure value for money and timely delivery.
“I commend Governor Okpebholo for insisting on concrete technology. Roads built with reinforced concrete last 50 to 100 years, saving scarce resources. Nigeria cannot continue to spend on recurring reconstruction. We must invest in durability,” Umahi stressed.
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