Nigeria: Ruggedman lists benefits of PMAN’s biometric registration

The registration involves paying 5000 Naira (about $16) at any brand of Heritage bank, which automatically opens an account with the biometric card inclusive. This account is going to work in tandem with a system developed by a barcoding and encoding company called JS1 for the association that purports to end illegal downloads.

• Additional benefits of the registration, as listed by Ruggedman, include:
• Health insurance (artist and 4 family members
• Life insurance in case of death, (next of kin gets N5million)
• For critical health challenge, artists will be flown abroad
• Pension plans (artists older than 65 years and ready to retire will be entitled to N100,000.00 monthly)
• Access to Visas and officially confirmation as a professional creative artist.
• Access to PMAN's legal team
• Access to Loans without collateral (N50k-N10m from partnering bank)

“You know me and you know i wont be part of anything that doesnt make sense,” Ruggedman said. “Pretty Okafor is the current president and the guy is putting in work and putting things in place for the betterment and benefit of Nigerian entertainers. I need your support to make this work because we are the ones that will enjoy once it kicks off.”

Registration not in conflict with COSON

Mr Okafor, who was elected president at PMAN’s biennial National Delegates Conference held on 4 October 2016, said the registration process was created to curb rampant piracy.

The royalties collected on behalf of the members, according to him, isn't in conflict with the activities of the Copyright Society of Nigeria, (COSON). "This is going to involve the print and sales royalties, while COSON is concerned with the mechanical and broadcast rights." COSON is empowered by Section 39 of the Nigerian Copyright Act (CAP 28 LFN2004) to negotitate and grant licenses for the use of music, collect royalties on behalf of copyright owners and distribute royalties to them. COSON members, therefore, assign the mechanical and performing rights of their musical works and sound recordings to the non-governmental body.