The Nigerian Copyright Commission has urged hotels, restaurants, and bars to obtain performance licenses for using copyrighted works, such as music and films, to enable creators to benefit from their work.
According to NCC Director-General Dr. John Asein, the Copyright Act 2022 clearly states that hospitality businesses must secure licenses before publicly performing copyrighted materials.
The NCC has introduced the Collective Management Regulations 2025 to ensure accountability and transparency in the collective management system. A Dispute Resolution Panel will be available to resolve conflicts efficiently and sustain mutual respect and good business practices. “The scope of licenses offered to subscribers must be clear and unambiguous, as a subscription license does not automatically grant rights for public performance in commercial spaces,” the NCC emphasized.
The commission stressed that respecting boundaries and honoring creators’ rights will allow Nigeria’s creative economy to thrive, enriching both culture and commerce. Stakeholders, including Chief Obi Asike, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, and Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Chairman of the Audio-Visual Rights Society, have stressed the importance of compliance and fair compensation for creators.
The NCC emphasized that compliance is not just a legal requirement but also a moral and economic imperative. Creators deserve to recoup from the secondary use of their works. “Respecting boundaries and honoring creators’ rights will allow Nigeria’s creative economy to thrive, enriching both culture and commerce,” the NCC said.
The commission’s initiative aims to promote a culture of respect for intellectual property rights in Nigeria. By obtaining performance licenses, hotels, restaurants, and bars can avoid copyright infringement and ensure that creators are fairly compensated for their work.
The NCC’s efforts to promote copyright compliance will have a positive impact on Nigeria’s creative industry. By working together, stakeholders can ensure that creators are protected and that the industry continues to grow and flourish.
