PMAN urges support for new Nigerian copyright law

The bill, signed into law in March, has been in the works for years and is expected to offer greater protection for artists and their works, in addition to improved regulation and administration of copyright.

Established in 1982, PMAN oversees the music profession in Nigeria. In a statement, the organisation’s president Pretty Okafor commended the move and said it would help promote creativity and productivity among Nigerian artists.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has demonstrated unalloyed commitment to the growth of Nigerian music and entertainment,” Okafor said. “This noble gesture will not only have a positive impact on the nation’s creative sector, but it will also rub off greatly on the economy.”

Okafor called on all stakeholders, including content creators and users, to support the new law and ensure that it worked for a better creative industry.

“I equally appeal to all music pirates and unauthorised creative content users to desist from their nefarious activities, as it would not be business as usual with this new Copyright Amendment Bill,” he said.

In December, PMAN unveiled a new office in Lagos, a move it says reflects the corporate identity of the Nigerian music industry and indicates the dynamic vision of the association and its members.

Last month, PMAN partnered with the Nigeria Copyright Commission and the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria to explore new ways of harnessing the country’s music economy. The partnership was unveiled during a three-day music festival organised by the embassy of Spain in Nigeria.