MPAN Cautions NCC over COSON’s Suspension

Ololade Adeyanju/

The Music Publishers Association of Nigeria (MPAN) has expressed concern over the suspension of the license of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), to act as a collective management organization (CMO) for musical works, by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC).

In a statement received by NewsmakersNG today, MPAN says it recognises that the NCC’s actions regarding COSON are well intended especially in light of the fact that the “NCC under the impressive leadership of Mr Afam Ezekude has been one of the biggest contributors to the significant positive developments of copyright administration in Nigeria”.

The body, however, pointed out: “We believe that the NCC can achieve its objective – of ensuring rights owners and creators are well represented by their designated CMO – without adversely affecting COSON’s members which we are one of. The impact of NCC’s decision to suspend COSON’s license, on rights owners is that we do not have any CMO properly and effectively representing our rights. The continued suspension has created uncertainty about the stability of music business in Nigeria and is ultimately driving away much needed foreign and local investment in the music industry as funding plans are literally having to be put on hold pending the resolution of this matter.

“MPAN thus firmly, but respectfully calls for the NCC to not throw away the baby with the bathwater and lift the suspension of COSON’s license without further delay as MPAN, investors and thousands of helpless copyright owners across Nigeria and beyond continue to suffer otherwise. Nigeria is rapidly approaching a critical turning point in the development of copyright (administration), and with increased consumption of creative works by an increasingly global audience, huge opportunities for value generation abound both for creators and the country’s GDP alike. It is important that the huge strides made by what is undoubtedly the leading CMO in Nigeria are not undone due to issues that could be resolved in a much less damaging manner. The COSON success which is now gravely threatened was built on account of the huge sacrifices made by many people, over several years, including many diligent and committed officers of the NCC.

“MPA, therefore, appeals to the NCC for an immediate withdrawal of the suspension in the interest of all stakeholders in the Nigerian music industry. We have earlier sent a letter to the NCC dated 20th June 2018, wherein we made this request and also proferred other options which the NCC could exercise to achieve its aim of ensuring that rights owners and creators are well represented by their designated CMO. Though we are yet to receive a response to our letter, we are hopeful that the NCC and its leadership would consider our suggestions and act on them speedily.”

The statement was signed by the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Olumide Mustapha, and the Secretary, Isioma Idigbe

The Music Publishers Association of Nigeria (MPAN) is an association of owners of interests in copyright catalogues comprised of tens of thousands of musical works, from the 1960s to 2018, locally and internationally.