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.
Foreign news
Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The Embassy of Algeria in Nigeria has commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the country’s Glorious Revolution of November 1, 1954, with a reception in Abuja, highlighting Algeria’s liberation struggle and strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
The event, held on November 9, 2026, at Continental Suites Hotel, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Government, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and other friends of Algeria.
Speaking at the reception, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, welcomed guests and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.
He described the November 1, 1954 revolution as the foundation of modern Algeria, noting that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs made it possible for the country to reclaim its sovereignty.
On Algeria’s development agenda, Mezoued said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration had continued to pursue economic reforms, diversification and national development under its New Algeria vision.
He noted that the country was recording progress in non-hydrocarbon exports, while improvements in the business environment had boosted investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investments.
On foreign policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to non-interference, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the right of peoples to self-determination.
Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, he stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, insisting that economic development, inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes remained essential.
Turning to Nigeria-Algeria relations, Mezoued described the partnership as one founded on shared values and the commitment of both countries’ leaders to advancing African development.
He identified the Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone as major strategic projects receiving attention from both countries.
The ambassador also disclosed that Algeria had continued to provide scholarships to Nigerian students to strengthen human capital development and capacity building.
He further announced that Air Algérie expanded its Nigerian operations on October 26, 2026, with the introduction of two weekly flights to Lagos, expressing confidence that the service would boost trade and tourism.
Looking ahead, Mezoued said 2027 would offer fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the fifth Joint High Bi-National Commission scheduled to hold in Abuja.
He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, identify new areas of cooperation and move Nigeria-Algeria relations towards a more practical and results-driven phase.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured7 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
