THE Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has been enjoined to partner with the Commission for effective public awareness towards ensuring that right owners benefit maximally from the exploitation of their works.
The State Coordinator, NCC Uyo Office, Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Elijah Akpan made the call during deliberations with the PMAN Governor, Elder Ime Charlie on a courtesy visit to the Commission’s State Office on Tuesday, 9th August 2022, accompanied by some of the Association’s officials.
Mr. Akpan noted that the Commission has a mandate to ensure that right owners benefited from the exploitation of their creative works. He stressed the need for payment of adequate compensation to right owners whose works were being used for broadcasts.
The State Coordinator urged PMAN to work towards organising a seminar in the State to sensitise all stakeholders in the copyright industry. He added that, thereafter, the association could embark on practical enforcement of their statutory rights.
The PMAN Governor expressed appreciation for the cordial relationship between the Association and the Commission and assured that the Association was committed to strengthening the relationship with a view to reaping the benefits of their creative endeavours.
On challenges encountered in the collection of royalties from media practitioners and other users of their works in the State, he solicited the Commission’s support in its drive against unauthorised exploitation of their works.
In a related development, the NCC State Coordinator has urged members of the Deejays Association of Nigeria (DJAN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter to negotiate with accredited right owners through their respective CMOs like the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN) and Audiovisual Rights Society (AVRS), in line with the copyright law, to enable them earn their living and create more.
Mr. Akpan gave this advice during an interactive meeting with executive members of DJAN in the Commision’s State Office on 18th August 2022. He used the opportunity to sensitise them on the requirements and categories of works covered by the Copyright Act. He urged them to operate within the confines of the law and negotiate with right owners in order to pay adequate compensation to them for exploiting their works in the course of their operations.
Meanwhile, the Uyo Office has, in preparation for the book season, conducted inspection of bookshops at Itam Market, Uyo on 17th August, 2022, to sensitise book sellers on the dangers of stocking pirated books during the approaching season.
Bookshops inspected included Joyful Bookshop, Nature Best Bookshop, Lucky and Sons Bookshop, Nwabukem’s Bookshop and others located in the Night Market area of Itam Market.
Also inspected were Blossom Bookshop, Francis Bookshop and others located at Ikot Abang Market. The operatives also met with the Chairman, Booksellers’ Association, Itam Market, Elder Enefiok Uduho and sensitised him and other members of the association on the Commission’s zero tolerance for piracy.
In his response, the Chairman promised to ensure that his members patronised credible publishers in the State.
