The Musical Copyright Society Nigeria Ltd/Gte (MCSN) has thanked President Bola Tinubu following the receipt of the first tranche of the copyright levy under the Copyright Act 2022.
In a press statement, the society said it received the sum of one billion, two hundred and five million nine hundred and fifty-six thousand, five hundred and eighty naira, twenty kobo (N1,205,956,580.20) for musical works and sound recordings.
“With all glory to the almighty God and deep gratitude to His Excellency, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, the President and Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not forgetting the support of the Hon. Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and the untiring efforts of the DG of the NCC, Dr. John Ohi Asein, the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria Ltd/Gte (MCSN) is pleased to announce the receipt of the first tranche of the Copyright Levy under Section 89 of the Copyright Act 2022 in the sum of One Billion, Two Hundred and Five Million Nine Hundred and Fifty-Six Thousand, Five Hundred and Eighty Naira, Twenty Kobo (N1,205,956,580.20) for musical works and sound recordings,” the statement read.
MCSN also acknowledged the roles of the Minister of Finance and the Accountant General of the Federation in the process. It described the payment as aligned with efforts to strengthen the creative industry and improve its contribution to the economy.
The society stated that the copyright levy had existed in law since 1988 but was not implemented until the current administration. It added that the eventual disbursement of the fund would reach creators across the country.
“This is not politics but economic reality!”
MCSN also addressed ongoing disagreements within the music industry, criticising the activities of the Record Labels Proprietors Initiative (RELPI), which it accused of misrepresenting sound recording owners and creating confusion within the copyright system.
According to the society, copyright in sound recordings is shared between producers and performers, many of whom are members and assignors of MCSN. It added that the Performing Employers’ Association of Nigeria has an existing agreement with MCSN for the representation of copyright interests of performers and producers.
The statement maintained that Nigeria’s copyright system is governed by the Copyright Act 2022 and international conventions, adding that collective management remains the recognised structure for administering copyright and royalty payments in the country.
MCSN said it would limit further public response on the dispute due to its legal implications and focus on its ongoing work.
The society is led by chief executive officer Mayowa Ayilaran, who has previously spoken on the need for stronger collective management and improved royalty systems for Nigerian music creators as part of ongoing reforms in the industry.
“In closing, we say again, Thank you, Mr. President for touching the lives of our poor musicians across board.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
