The Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN) has indicated its commitment to partnering the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) for proper regulation of collective management organisations (CMOs).
According to the MCSN, this is in the interest of right owners and the development of the creative industry.
Chairman of MCSN, a company limited by guarantee, Pupa Orits Williki, disclosed this in Abuja on 12th February 2019, when he led a delegation of MCSN Board members on a courtesy visit to the Director-General of NCC, Mr. John Asein.
NCC Director of Public Affairs, Vincent Oyeweso, said in a statement that the MCSN delegation included the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of MCSN, Mr. Mayo Ayilaran and its General Manager, Mr. Louise Udoh.
The statement added, “The Chairman commended the government of President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing a competent person who is also knowledgeable about the Nigerian copyright system, describing the appointment of Mr. Asein as well deserved. Pupa Williki pointed out that the creative industries had in recent times suffered so much waste and stunted growth, expressing optimism that the new administration would bring about positive changes in the fortunes of the creative sector.”
He noted that the new Director General was emerging at a relatively peaceful period after years of upheavals in the industry and urged him to promote a more congenial atmosphere, particularly for the collective management of rights.
“The copyright industry should be one of the richest sectors of the national economy, but it is painful to note that even the Commission regulating the industry is broke,” the MSCN boss is quoted as saying.
Also speaking, the CEO of MCSN, Mr. Ayilaran stated that by a proper implementation of the existing law, the copyright industries could be turned into a more profitable sector that stakeholders would be proud of. In order to achieve this, he called for the setting of clear rules and boundaries in line with international best practices.
He reassured the Director General that MCSN and its members were willing to work with the Commission to transform it into a well-funded class ‘A’ Federal Agency for the benefit all.
Thanking the Board and members of MCSN for their warm felicitations and expression of support, the Director-General of NCC, Asein reiterated the relevance and value of the creative industries in the sustenance of the national economy.
He expressed delight that the Nigerian music industry, in spite of the challenges, had continued to dominate the African market and remains globally relevant.
The Director-General restated the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that CMOs abide by the tenets of inclusiveness, accountability, transparency and good governance.
He announced that the commission would hold a series of strategic meetings with stakeholders to chart the way forward for the music industry, particularly in view of the emerging digital platforms.
Asein solicited the continued support of stakeholders in addressing the scourge of piracy and other copyright abuses online.
