The Performing Musicians’ Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has welcomed the release of the first tranche of the Copyright Levy for the Nigerian music industry, describing it as a major breakthrough for creators, performers and other stakeholders in the creative sector.
In a statement issued on February 4, 2026, PMAN praised the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria Ltd/Gte (MCSN) for announcing the development and commended its leadership, particularly the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mayowa Ayilaran, for advancing collective rights administration in the music industry.
The association also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for providing the policy direction and administrative backing that made the release possible. PMAN acknowledged the contributions of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, as well as the Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Dr. John O. Asein, and other relevant institutions.
PMAN noted that the Copyright Levy is a statutory provision under Section 89 of the Copyright Act 2022, stressing that it is a lawful compensation mechanism designed to address the realities of copyright infringement and reproduction in modern markets. The association emphasised that transparency, accountability and proper regulation remain critical to ensuring that the benefits reach right owners and grassroots performers.
Highlighting its role in ongoing reforms, PMAN recalled the Memorandum of Understanding it signed with MCSN in July 2020 under the leadership of its president, Mr. Pretty Okafor, aimed at strengthening licensing compliance and protecting the rights and welfare of performing musicians.
Describing the music industry as a vital economic asset, PMAN called for sustained support from government, regulators and industry stakeholders to strengthen institutions, improve compliance by music users and expand the welfare impact of copyright revenues.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and responsible governance, while expressing optimism that the implementation of the levy would deliver meaningful improvements to the livelihoods of performing musicians across Nigeria.
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