The Musical Copyright Society Nigeria Ltd/Gte (MCSN) has announced the receipt of ₦1.205 billion as the first tranche of the copyright levy provided for under Section 89 of the Copyright Act 2022, a development being described as historic for Nigeria’s music industry.
The sum—₦1,205,956,580.20—covers musical works and sound recordings and marks the first time a copyright levy provision, present in Nigerian law since 1988, has been implemented in practice. For many creators, this represents long-overdue recognition of intellectual property as an economic asset rather than a cultural afterthought.
Hope, With Caveats
MCSN says the levy aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and has the potential to reach grassroots creators—authors, composers, performers, and producers—many of whom have lived on the margins of an industry that generates significant value but distributes little to its originators.
However, AkweyaTV observed that industry watchers note that the real test lies not in receipt, but in distribution.
Ongoing Industry Tensions
The announcement also comes amid renewed disputes within the music ecosystem over the ownership and administration of sound recording rights. MCSN reiterated its position that sound recordings are shared rights between producers and performers, often split equally in global practice, and maintained that a majority of Nigerian performers and independent producers fall within its membership or representation.
Still, critics argue that long-standing disagreements over collective management, representation, and trust within the sector cannot be resolved by legal assertions alone. They insist that broader stakeholder engagement and clearer public accountability will be necessary to sustain confidence.
With over three decades of experience, MCSN argues that the Copyright Act 2022 has finally introduced structure and clarity into Nigeria’s copyright system. That claim will be judged by outcomes: how much reaches creators, how disputes are handled, and whether this reform ushers in sustained change.
MCSN defended collective management as the only internationally recognised model for copyright administration, levy collection, and royalty distribution, citing reciprocity with global CMOs such as ASCAP, PRS, and SACEM.
The ₦1.2 billion levy stands as both a symbol of progress and a reminder of delay, a moment that could mark the beginning of a fairer creative economy
With over three decades of experience, MCSN argues that the Copyright Act 2022 has finally introduced structure and clarity into Nigeria’s copyright system. That claim will be judged by outcomes: how much reaches creators, how disputes are handled, and whether this reform ushers in sustained change.
For now, the ₦1.2 billion levy stands as both a symbol of progress and a reminder of delay, a moment that could mark the beginning of a fairer creative economy, or simply highlight how much work remains. For 38 years, AkweyaTV calculations put ₦1,205,956,580.20 at ₦31,735,699 (approximately ₦32m) for each year Nigerian music has been exploited on radio, TV, events, transport systems, hotels, etc.
