The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has announced its commitment to cracking down on illegal music websites and combating piracy in the country. The NCC emphasized the importance of obtaining proper licenses to ensure that creators are fairly compensated, thus supporting the sustainable growth of the music industry.
In a bid to enforce the Copyright Act 2022, the NCC plans to take down infringing materials and block websites hosting illegal content. The Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Ijeoma Egbunike, outlined the commission’s aggressive anti-piracy campaign in collaboration with the private sector to target online infringement.
As part of its efforts to protect creators’ rights, the NCC aims to establish standards for transparency, digital audits, and real-time royalty reporting. Egbunike reiterated the NCC’s commitment to championing policies that foster creativity, respect intellectual property, and improve the livelihoods of Nigerian musicians.
Despite the global success of Nigerian music genres like Afrobeats, many artists continue to face challenges with low royalty returns due to digital piracy. To address this issue, the NCC revised its Collective Management Regulations to enhance transparency and accountability among Collective Management Organisations (CMOs).
The NCC stressed the significance of proper licensing as a legal obligation essential for Nigeria’s creative economy to thrive. The commission highlighted that fair royalty compensation is crucial for creators’ livelihoods and the overall health of the music industry.
Recent enforcement measures include the NCC’s designation by the Attorney-General of the Federation as an authority under the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act 2022. This empowers the NCC to order takedowns and block websites distributing illegal music.
As the NCC intensifies its efforts to combat online infringement and piracy, the music industry stands to benefit from increased protection of intellectual property rights and enhanced mechanisms for creators to receive fair compensation for their work. The commission’s proactive stance underscores the importance of respecting intellectual property and fostering a culture of creativity within Nigeria’s music landscape.
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