The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has intensified its efforts to uphold copyright laws by warning disc jockeys (DJs) against public performances of music without proper licensing or authorization. Under the Copyright Act 2022, violators face penalties of up to ₦1 million in fines or a five-year imprisonment term.
This move is part of the NCC's broader initiative to ensure that all public performances of copyrighted music are appropriately licensed, safeguarding the rights of content creators and ensuring they receive due royalties. The Commission emphasizes that any public performance, including those by DJs at events, clubs, or other venues, requires authorization from the relevant Collective Management Organizations (CMOs).
In collaboration with the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN) and the Deejays Association of Nigeria (DJAN), the NCC is also focusing on educating DJs about the importance of licensing. A "train-the-trainers" program is scheduled in Lagos to equip DJAN officials with the necessary knowledge to enforce copyright laws and ensure compliance among their members.
The NCC's advisory extends beyond DJs, targeting various businesses such as hotels, clubs, restaurants, and digital platforms that utilize copyrighted music. These entities are mandated to obtain the appropriate licenses to avoid legal repercussions, including damages and injunctions.
This enforcement comes in response to significant revenue losses in Nigeria's music industry due to unauthorized public performances. Estimates suggest that the industry loses approximately $1 billion annually from such infringements.
The NCC's renewed commitment to enforcing copyright laws aims to foster a more sustainable and respectful environment for Nigeria's creative industry, ensuring that artists and content creators are rightfully compensated for their work.
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