Arts & Life
May 2, 2025 by Evelyn Osagie
Nigerian music, particularly the infectious energy of Afrobeats, has emerged as a powerful global force. Nigerian musicians are making their mark internationally, with artists topping global charts, selling out stadiums worldwide, and forming powerful cultural connections. Through their music, they have become ambassadors of Nigeria’s identity, values, and resilience, demonstrating the soft power of the country’s creative economy.
It was on the bedrock motivated the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) to join the global community in recognising the immense value of music as the heartbeat of creativity in the commemoration of this year’s World Intellectual Property Day, under the theme “IP and Music: Feel the Beat of IP”.
The role of Intellectual Property
“Music is indeed a universal language that not only entertains but also educates, motivates, and unites people across the world. Behind every melody, beat, and lyric is a creator—whether a composer, singer, sound engineer, or other key contributors—who depends on intellectual property, particularly copyright, to protect their works and ensure they are fairly compensated. Without strong intellectual property protections, creators would not be incentivized to produce the music that enriches lives worldwide. Music must feel the beat of intellectual property for the full potential of creativity to be realized,” according to a release issued by NCC.
Supporting Nigeria’s creative economy
As the value of Nigerian music continues to rise, the commission stated that the Nigerian government recognizes the importance of providing the legal, institutional, and technological support necessary to empower creators. “This includes implementing policies that nurture the growth of the industry and protect its intellectual capital. The Nigerian Copyright Commission remains committed to fostering an environment that supports the dreams and talents of our musicians.”
Despite the international success of Nigerian music, the royalties earned by the average Nigerian artist remain alarmingly low, with digital piracy exacerbating the issue. In response, the Nigerian Copyright Commission recently revised the “Collective Management Regulations” to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance among collective management organisations (CMOs). These organsations play a critical role in ensuring that music royalties are negotiated, collected, and distributed fairly to right holders.
Read Also: Afro RnB star Jainy signs new deal, gears up to shake Nigerian music scene
Tackling piracy and strengthening enforcement
The commission, says it is also stepping up efforts to address digital piracy. With the support of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation, who has designated the Nigerian Copyright Commission as a relevant authority under the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022, the commission is now better equipped to tackle online infringement. Additionally, the Copyright Act, 2022, provides provisions for the takedown of infringing materials and the blocking of websites hosting illegal content.
A call to action for music users
The Nigerian Copyright Commission called on all commercial users of music to obtain proper licenses from right holders or their approved representatives. This legal obligation ensures that creators are fairly compensated for their work and contributes to the sustainable growth of the industry.
Private sector partnerships and anti-piracy campaigns
In collaboration with private sector stakeholders, NCC states that it will launch an aggressive anti-piracy campaign targeting the online environment. “The Commission is committed to putting in place legally enforceable standards for transparency, digital audits, and real-time royalty reporting to safeguard the rights of creators and ensure a fair, sustainable music ecosystem.
“As World Intellectual Property Day 2025 is celebrated, the Nigerian Copyright Commission will continue to champion policies that support the growth of the music industry, improve the livelihoods of Nigerian musicians, and foster a culture of creativity and respect for intellectual property. We envision a thriving music industry where creativity flourishes, creators are respected, and financial rewards are commensurate with their contributions to the global cultural landscape,” the statement read.
NCC
Abuja doctor reveals a unique way to permanently cure weak erection, small and shameful manhood, and infertility issues without side effects within a short period. Click now to see!!
Lagos Based Researcher Discovers A Secret Method To Permanently Increase Small Penis Size, Cure Weak Erection, Treat Premature Ejaculation And Solve Low Libido Or Sex Fatigue Problems. Click Here Now…To See How!
Beware of sudden heart attack, stroke, slumping suddenly occurring in men and women in their 40s, 50s, 60s. Weak erection in men above 40years. Infertility and sexual problems in men and women. Click to learn more!
The Nation Newspaper Ltd. All rights reserved – 2025.
