The Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN) has announced the receipt of the first tranche of the Copyright Levy under the Copyright Act 2022, amounting to ₦1.205 billion for musical works and sound recordings.
The society attributed the release to the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Minister of Finance, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission.
MCSN described the payment as a major boost to the Federal Government’s renewed hope agenda aimed at strengthening the creative industry.
It noted that although the copyright levy has existed in Nigerian law since 1988, it was implemented for the first time under the current administration.
The society said the funds would be disbursed to benefit musicians and creators nationwide, particularly those at the grassroots.
MCSN accused some interests of undermining the collective management system and slowing progress in the music industry for decades.
It specifically faulted the Record Labels Proprietors Initiative (RELPI) for what it described as misleading claims of representing sound recording owners.
MCSN explained that rights in sound recordings are shared between producers and performers, many of whom are its members.
The society reaffirmed its agreement with the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria to represent performers and producers.
It stated that Nigeria’s copyright system aligns with international conventions and best practices under the Copyright Act 2022.
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