AS the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) takes steps to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Public Performance Rights, the Director-General, NCC, Dr. John Asein, has stressed the need for hotels and hospitality businesses to secure licenses before publicly performing music, films or broadcasts.
This was stated in his opening remarks at the Colloquium on: Copyright Licensing for Public Performance held in collaboration with the Audio-Visual Rights Society (AVRS), Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN) and WIPO Nigeria Office to mark the 2025 African Copyright and Collective Management Day in Abuja, on 24th September 2025.
Reiterating the position of the Copyright Act 2022 which makes the obligation clear on licensing of public performance rights, Dr. Asein, noted that “Cutting corners is not an option” as musicians, actors, producers and record companies deserves to recoup from the secondary use of their works, which are part of the ambience hotels offer guests.
He informed that since businesses such as broadcasters, telecom operators, hotels, tourism outfits and advertisers all depend on creative content to add value, it is only fair that they also sustain creativity by obtaining proper licenses.
To strengthen the system he added, that the Commission has issued the Collective Management Regulations, 2025 to entrench accountability and transparency in Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) which is aimed at making licensing seamless.
He explained that where disputes arise, parties can use the Commission’s Dispute Resolution Panel for quick, fair and efficient outcomes.
Harping on the need for compliance, the DG-NCC stated that it is not only a moral and economic imperative but a legal duty, a breach of which could have criminal consequences. “By respecting boundaries and honouring creators, we guarantee that Nigeria’s creative economy will continue to thrive, enriching both our culture and our commerce”, he added.
Delivering the Keynote Address, the Director-General/CEO, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Chief Obi Asika, stated that Copyright remains the foundation of creative industry growth while Rights management enables contracts, licensing, investment and royalties. Without effective implementation, he observed, investments cannot flow neither can industries scale. He emphasised on implementation and enforcement of the law for the benefit of creators, businesses and investors.
Chief Asika in his charge, called for implementation of existing laws, integrity from CMOs, securing of Rights to unlock investments, empowerment of IP industries and building an infrastructure of agents, managers, and platforms that can represent Nigerian creators globally.
Commenting on the focus of the Colloquium which is on copyright licensing for public performance, Co-host and Chairman, AVRS, Mr. Mahmood Balogun stated that the interaction is aimed at bringing together stakeholders and users to table in order to have a better understanding of their obligations under the law and the rationale behind paying for copyright protected works in public places. He explained further that Hotels, Lounges, Bars and Restaurants are mandated by law to pay for the dramas, movies and documentaries they use on their TV in their places of business which by law is recognised as public place. “Once the works are used for commercial purpose, you are expected to pay”.
Mr. Balogun, explained that paying for the use of creative works in public places is not peculiar to Nigeria as it is applicable across the globe. What the Cable TV is paying for he stated, is signals to the respective hotels and public places but the contents seen on the screen, belongs to the creators of such works which needs to be paid for in form of royalties.
The Guest Speaker, Chief S.O. Alabi spoke on: Copyright Licensing: Emerging Issues. Other Paper Presentations at the event are: Public Performance Rights: Statutory Provisions for Enforcement and Licensing by Mike O. Akpan (Principal Partner, Alpha-Edge Legal) and Business Benefits of Compliance by Chinedu Chukwuji (PurpleBlue Academy of Music Business (PAMB).
Dignitaries at the event include: Director-General, NFVCB, Mr. Shaibu Husseini; MCSN Chairman, Pupa Oritz Williki; Actors and creative industry stakeholders.
Amos Abutu
For: Director-General
