Creative Industry
Copyright Levy Order Finally Implemented as MCSN Gets ₦1.2bn. Boost for Nigerian Musicians
Cyril Ogar
The Musical Copyright Society Nigeria Ltd/Gte (MCSN) has announced the receipt of the first tranche of the Copyright Levy fund under Section 89 of the Copyright Act 2022, amounting to ₦1,205,956,580.20, covering musical works and sound recordings.
In a statement, issued by MCSN on Wednesday in Abuja, it expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for providing the political will that made the long-awaited implementation possible. The society also acknowledged the support of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Honourable Minister of Finance, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Dr. John Ohi Asein, whose collective efforts ensured the success of the process.
According to MCSN, the payment aligns squarely with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration to position the creative industry as a major contributor to Nigeria’s economy. The society stressed that the development is not political, but an economic reality with far-reaching implications for Nigerian creators.
The copyright levy, though embedded in Nigeria’s copyright laws since 1988, had never been implemented until the current administration. MCSN noted that the eventual disbursement of the fund will reach grassroots creators across the country, helping to lift many musicians out of long-standing economic hardship.
While welcoming the progress, MCSN expressed concern over what it described as sustained attempts by certain interests to frustrate the collective management system that underpins copyright administration in Nigeria. The society specifically referenced campaigns by the Record Labels Proprietors Initiative (RELPI), which it said falsely claims to represent sound recording owners without clearly defining its legal status or interests.
MCSN explained that rights in sound recordings are shared interests between producers and performers, and in Nigeria, many performers and independent producers (owners of copyright in sound recording) are direct members and assignors of MCSN.
It added that the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN), the only legally recognised association of performers and music employers, has a subsisting agreement with MCSN to represent these interests.
The society further stated that RELPI comprises just nine entities, many of which are foreign-interest dominated and already operate under collective management systems in their home countries. MCSN argued that attempts to undermine Nigeria’s collective management framework run contrary to national interest, African Union policy, and international best practices under conventions such as the Berne Convention and WIPO Copyright Treaty.
MCSN reaffirmed that it remains the licensed body to collectively manage rights in musical works and sound recordings in Nigeria under the Copyright Act 2022, adding that any deviation would return the industry to decades of confusion and inefficiency.
In closing, the society reiterated its appreciation to President Tinubu for what it described as a landmark intervention that promises real change for Nigerian musicians and the wider creative sector.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for touching the lives of our musicians across the board. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
Creative Industry
NTDA Moves to Transform Gelede Festival into a National Cultural Event with Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom
Cyril Ogar
The Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Ola Awakan paid a courtesy visit to the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom, Yaba as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration for cultural tourism development.
The delegation was received by His Royal Majesty, Oba Owolabi Adeyemi Adeshina Adeniyi (Maforunyomi I), the Onisabe of Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom, Yaba; Olori Mosunmola Anike Adeniyi; the Bales of the kingdom; and members of the White Cap Chiefs. The visit commenced with a vibrant cultural procession by the revered Gelede Masquerades, showcasing the rich heritage of the community.
Addressing the Director-General, the monarch applauded him for honouring the invitation and commended his efforts in leveraging his office to drive innovation within Nigeria’s tourism sector.
The monarch applauds the NTDA Boss for his initiatives towards repositioning the country’s cultural heritage on a global stage.
Oba Adeniyi further expressed his interest in fostering a strategic partnership between the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom and the NTDA, emphasizing the community’s readiness to actively participate in ongoing efforts to develop and promote tourism across the country.
He highlighted key cultural assets within the kingdom, including the Gelede Masquerades; an important cultural symbol associated with fertility and childbirth; and two ancient iroko trees within the community, each over 250 years old.
In response, the DG appreciated the traditional ruler for the invitation, honour, and warm reception, stating that the visit was not only culturally enriching but also strategically important to the Authority’s mandate.
He continued by emphasizing the role traditional institutions play in advancing Nigeria’s tourism sector.
He stated that effective storytelling is essential to unlocking the value of cultural heritage, explaining that documenting and sharing the stories behind cultural elements such as the Gelede Masquerades and the ancient iroko trees would enhance their appeal to both local and international tourists.
The NTDA DG further proposed featuring Igbobi-Sabe’s tourism assets in the ongoing NITOUREY Project, the first-ever tourism dedicated streaming platform in Africa aimed towards showcasing Nigeria’s rich and vibrant tourism assets to the world.
The meeting proceeded with a guided tour of one of the iroko tree sites located in Abule Ijesa, Yaba, where the Director-General observed that the site holds significant potential for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
He encouraged the traditional ruler to work closely with the NTDA in developing initiatives that would revitalize the historic landmarks, positioning them as prominent symbols of Nigeria’s cultural tourism.
The Director-General received royal blessings from the Monatch who wished him wisdom and success in his tenure, while expressing confidence in his leadership and vision.
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