As the creative sector celebrates the recent passage of the new Copyright Act 2022 by the National Assembly, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has been commended for its policy initiatives geared at reforming copyright ecosystems for sustainable wealth creation.
The National President, Deejays Association of Nigeria (DJAN), Mr. Tade Adeyemi aka, DJ Kool gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s Headquarters on 28th July 2022.
Mr. Adeyemi said DJAN executives were at the Commission to submit an up-to-date database of their members, update the Commission on the on-going negotiation with the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN) and appreciate the Commission for sensitising its members across the country on the basics and imperatives of copyright.
In his remarks, the Director-General, NCC, Dr. John O. Asein assured that the Commission would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to provide safe corridors for creative works and ensure maximum return on creative investments.
While appreciating the National Assembly and other stakeholders for their contributions to the passage of the new Copyright Bill, the DG, NCC noted that one of the aims of the Bill was providing hope for Youths in the creative industry , whom he described as the strength of the creative economy.
In his words: “We are hoping that with this Bill, many of the youths will not suffer the kind of pain that the older ones are suffering because of copyright abuse and other infringements and we will do everything we can to ensure that everyone that is investigating in the creative industry from henceforth will have a level of guarantee that their creative investment will bring returns
“Nigeria needs its creative economy and you are key in passing the message to everyone listening to you and also that we do things responsibly. I am happy that you are having fruitful discussions with the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN). Like in every negotiation, there will be moments of disagreements but if we have a common goal, I am sure we can assist both sides to reach that goal”.
Dr. Asein remarked further, “I also hope that other players will take a cue from what you are doing with MCSN. We want to see more negotiations between the film CMO and those who are using their movies. We want to see the same kind of engagement between the CMO in the literary field and those making photocopies and using their works.”
While calling on pirates and other copyright infringers to repent, he warned that when the Bill was signed, defaulters and others who refuse to comply with good practices would face the wrath of the Law “Like I said, the punishments are increasing and certainly our determination to clear out the copyright space is more than ever before, more resolved”, he stated.
The DJAN President who presented a demo-jingle on the need for the public to respect copyright to the Commission for consideration at the occasion, indicated that they were committed to exploring other areas of possible collaboration with the Commission and other stakeholders.
He stated that, thanks to the efforts of the Commission, DJAN members were now in tune with copyright best practices and expectations. “We are presently in talks with MCSN for scheduled payment of accrued royalties” he remarked.
The DJAN President however, noted that they still needing more technical and enlightenment support from the Commission.
Also at the meeting were some Directors of the Commission: Director, Nigeria Copyright Academy (NCA), Mr. Mike Akpan; Director Operations, Mr. Obi Ezeilo and Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Mrs. Ijeoma Egbunike. Other DJAN Executives present were the Financial Secretary, Miss. Ohanika Janifa and the North West Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Samuel O. Michael, aka DJ Sammy.
Mary Adegbile
For: Director-General
