The Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria has formally petitioned the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, raising alarms over what it calls an “institutional ambush” of Nigeria’s Copyright Levy disbursement framework.
At the center of PMAN’s petition, signed by President Pretty Okafor, is an allegation that a stakeholder forum held on February 19, 2026, at the Federal Ministry of Justice was reclassified as an internal ministry meeting, excluding key representatives from PMAN and the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN). PMAN claims the meeting was subsequently repurposed to advance the interests of the Record Label Proprietors’ Initiative, including steps toward licensing and recognition as a Collective Management Organisation (CMO).
The association expressed concerns over potential conflicts of interest, highlighting the presence of public officials with alleged links to RELPI. Specifically, PMAN cited Obi Asika, associated with Storm 360, and Baba Clement Agba, whose spouse reportedly serves as a RELPI director. PMAN argues that their involvement in sensitive policy discussions risks creating the appearance of bias.
The petition also references ongoing litigation by RELPI—Suit No. FHC/L/CS/207/2026: Record Label Proprietors’ Initiative & 11 Ors. v. Musical Copyright Society Nigeria Ltd/Gte (Re: Central Bank of Nigeria)—which PMAN contends could undermine the intended disbursement architecture for grassroots Nigerian musicians.
PMAN’s submission calls for:
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Immediate review of the February 19 meeting, including minutes, resolutions, and attendee lists.
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Suspension of any steps toward RELPI’s CMO licensing until a transparent stakeholder process is conducted.
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Recusal of officials with direct ties to RELPI from matters concerning levy disbursement or CMO licensing.
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Convening of a properly constituted stakeholder forum including NCC, approved CMOs, PMAN, and other legitimate bodies, with a clear agenda and documented records.
Framing the issue as a safeguard for public interest, PMAN emphasized that the Copyright Levy, part of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope agenda, must benefit Nigerian musicians rather than serve narrow corporate interests.
The association clarified that its actions are supportive of the President and AGF’s progress on the levy, aiming to prevent insider manipulation and ensure the music industry avoids renewed fragmentation in rights administration.
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