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
Eagle Times Newspaper Will Be Voice for Nigerians – Publisher Chukwunyere Vows
Joel Ajayi
The Publisher of The Eagle Times Nigeria, Sir Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has pledged that the newspaper will promote accountability, credible journalism and public-interest reporting in its coverage of national affairs.
Chukwunyere made the commitment on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during the official unveiling and launch of The Eagle Times Nigeria.
He said the new media organisation was established not merely to add another newspaper to Nigeria’s media landscape, but to provide a platform committed to serving the public interest.
According to him, the newspaper’s guiding philosophy, “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation,” places a responsibility on the organisation to listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight issues affecting their daily lives and scrutinise those entrusted with public responsibilities.
“To be a voice for the people means that we must listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight their concerns and give visibility to issues that affect their daily lives,” he said.
The publisher added that The Eagle Times would be guided by accuracy, fairness, professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism, stressing that the newspaper would not publish stories merely because they were sensational.
“We will verify. We will investigate. We will seek the other side. We will correct our mistakes when we make them,” he said.
Chukwunyere further stated that the newspaper would endeavour to give individuals and organisations the opportunity to respond whenever allegations were made against them.
“Our commitment is not to any political party, government or individual. Our primary commitment is to journalism, to truth and to the Nigerian public,” he said.
He noted that the newspaper was launching at a time when the media industry was undergoing rapid transformation, with audiences increasingly consuming news through digital platforms, including websites, television, podcasts and social media.
He said The Eagle Times would therefore operate as a multimedia organisation, combining its newspaper with digital platforms and The Eagle Times TV to reach audiences across different channels.
According to him, the organisation also intends to create opportunities for young journalists, writers, photographers, producers, digital creators and other media professionals to develop their skills and contribute to journalism and national development.
Chukwunyere said the newspaper’s coverage would include politics, governance, business, economy, security, judiciary, education, health, technology, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and international affairs.
He, however, said the organisation intended to distinguish itself not only by the subjects it covered but by the quality and approach of its journalism.
We want to tell stories that matter, we want to investigate issues that require investigation, we want to highlight Nigerians who are making a difference, and we want to give communities that are often ignored an opportunity to be heard,” he said.
The publisher acknowledged the challenges involved in establishing a newspaper, saying the venture required investment, commitment, professional discipline and the courage to pursue an idea.
He expressed appreciation to the management, editorial, reporting, production and digital teams, as well as families, friends, partners and supporters who contributed to the establishment of the organisation.
Chukwunyere also assured readers, viewers and the newspaper’s digital audience that The Eagle Times would strive to earn their trust and remain accountable to the standards it had set for itself.
He said the newspaper’s success would not be measured only by circulation figures, website traffic or social media followers, but also by the confidence Nigerians placed in its journalism.
“Today, we spread our wings. Today, The Eagle Times takes flight,” he said, reaffirming the newspaper’s commitment to its slogan: “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation.”
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