By Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja
Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) has renews its commitment to work with national and international stakeholder groups to overhaul the copyright side of the music industry and strengthen its regulatory and enforcement mandates to ensure that right owners benefit more from the global exploitation of their works.
DG of the commission,Dr. John O. Asein ,in a statement shared with Peoples Daily through the its Director, Public Affairs Department,Vincent A. Oyefeso, yesterday said the commission will continue to support approved CMOs.
According to him,” Commission will continue to support approved CMOs to better enforce rights, monitor uses and collect the revenue due to them while insisting on reasonable tariffs, good governance, accountability and fair distribution of royalties to right owners.
“In furtherance of its policy to support CMOs and bridge the gaps between the volume of usage and royalty collections, the Commission is already facilitating discussions between the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN),and the DeeJays Association of Nigeria (DJAN).
“The commission will also be reviewing the copyright (Collective Management Organisations) Regulations 2007 to address new challenges at the intersections, in line with local realities and global best practices.
“Finally, as we reflect on music at various intersections, the Commission would again urge all approved CMOs to embrace technology-based solutions in the monitoring, collection and distribution of royalties.
“They should also subscribe to the acceptable standards of transparency, accountability, efficient management, good corporate governance and respect for the law without which they would become a hindrance to the smooth inflow of revenue for the right owners they represent.
He said the primary duty of a responsible CMO is to help right owners earn more from the use of their works and provide legally safe space for users to maximise their exploitation of those works upon payment of agreed royalties.
“The copyright ecosystem must therefore promote this healthy and balanced symbiotic relationship that would grow the industry for the greater good of the majority.
“On this optimistic note, I wish all musicians, producers, service providers, music enthusiasts and all lovers of music a wonderful World Music Day, 2022!
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