The Director General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Dr John Asein, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting the music industry, stressing the critical role of intellectual property protection in its continued growth.
Dr Asein made this known during a sensitisation programme held in Port Harcourt on Monday to mark the 2025 World Intellectual Property Day. The event was themed “Celebrating the Power of Music and Intellectual Property.”
Represented by Mr Abdul Babatunde, Director of the NCC’s Port Harcourt Directorate, Dr Asein noted that Nigerian music continues to receive international acclaim, with local artists achieving global success and recognition.
He urged commercial users of music to obtain the appropriate licences either from rights holders or through the regulatory agencies that represent and protect the interests of the nation’s music industry.
He further disclosed that the NCC is preparing to launch an anti-piracy campaign aimed at safeguarding the rights of creators. The Commission, he said, is committed to creating an enabling environment that nurtures the dreams and talents of Nigerian musicians.
Also speaking at the event, Mr Moses Mabadeje, Governor of the Rivers State chapter of the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN), commended the NCC for its sustained efforts in promoting the music industry.
Mabadeje, however, expressed concern over the inadequate support from the government. He noted that the music industry has grown into a multi-billion-dollar sector, largely driven by digital platforms and the influence of social media.
According to him, the sector’s growth has generated numerous opportunities for artists, employers, and stakeholders alike. He urged the federal government to partner with PMAN and the NCC to provide funding and infrastructure that would support musicians and empower talented youth across the country.
Such partnerships, he argued, would not only enhance the industry but also help reduce unemployment, boost tourism, and contribute to national economic development.
Mabadeje further called for collaboration with the NCC to educate PMAN members on copyright law and anti-piracy measures to ensure musicians fully benefit from their intellectual property.
In her remarks, Professor Ibiere Ken-Maduako of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education underscored the importance of intellectual property rights for creators, including writers and musicians.
Prof. Ken-Maduako, who is Head of the Department of Mass Communication and served as Chairperson of the event, observed that many writers remain unaware of their rights and the legal protections available to them.
She said the event offered a valuable platform for raising awareness and encouraged Nigerians to seek copyright protection through the NCC.
She also spoke on the therapeutic value of music and poetry, noting their positive effects on mental well-being.
Prof. Ken-Maduako praised the event for bringing together professionals from diverse fields to discuss strategies for protecting intellectual property. She also commended the organisers for providing a platform for students to display their reading skills, which she described as a useful tool for improving literacy.
A musical performance by Nwafor Sunday, a music student from the University of Port Harcourt, alongside Mr KS De Flow Bottler, was one of the highlights of the event.
