PMAN Pays Courtesy Visit on NCC Port Harcourt Office

OFFICIALS of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, Rivers State chapter (PMAN) on 3rd December 2023 paid a courtesy visit to the Port Harcourt Office of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC).

The Secretary of PMAN, Rivers State Chapter, Mr. Benibo Ezekiel speaking on behalf of the team from PMAN explained that the visit was part of his organisation’s collaboration with the Commission. Mr Ezekiel commended the effort of the NCC in fighting copyright piracy while calling on further action against some Disc Jockeys who they alleged were in the habit of using the works of some of their members without due remuneration.

The PMAN Secretary also complained of the use of their works in jingles without payment of royalties to the creators. He called on the Commission to come to their aid in checking these nefarious activities of pirates.

The Director, NCC Port Harcourt office, Mr. Abdul-Salami Babatunde in a reaction commended PMAN on the relationship existing between the organisation and the Commission. Mr. Salami used the occasion to encourage   all members of PMAN to always report cases of piracy to the Commission for immediate necessary actions.

The Director Mr Abdul-Salami Babatunde promised proactive action against those violating the rights of musicians in the state. He said with the organisation of seminars and workshops,PMAN members who are ignorant of the Copyright Act provisions will become enlightened.The SC concluded that the Commission will look into the issues raised by PMAN to ensure that they are tackled.

In a related development, the Director Port Harcourt office paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor, University of Port-Harcourt on 19th November 2014.According to the SC, the visit  was to solicit for a greater  collaboration with the University and to plan towards a copyright awareness campaign in the institution proposed for the first quarter 2025.

Also, the Port Harcourt office on 11th December 2024 held a sensitisation programme for members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria ICAN, Port Harcourt District . The Director, Port-Harcourt office delivered a paper on the topic:”Overview of Copyright and Catalyst for Wealth Creation and National Development.”

The presentation ended with a question and answer session when participants were further informed and enlightened on issues bordering copyright and related matters.

Andrew Dyege