The President of the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Pretty Okafor, has called on musicians nationwide, especially those at the grassroots, to enrol in the Copy Levy Beneficiary Verification exercise through the association’s national database.
Okafor made the appeal during a media briefing at the PMAN headquarters in Lagos, stressing that the initiative is designed to ensure that eligible creators across the country benefit from the newly activated copyright levy framework.
He praised President Bola Tinubu for providing what he described as the political backing that enabled the release of the first tranche of the Copyright Levy under Section 89 of the Copyright Act 2022.
The PMAN president also acknowledged the roles played by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Director-General of the Nigeria Copyright Commission, John Asein, and Mayowa Ayilaran, Chief Executive Officer of the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN).
According to Okafor, the operationalisation of the levy reflects a broader policy direction aimed at strengthening the creative economy. He said the move demonstrates a shift toward building institutional systems that support productivity, job creation and sustainable industry growth.
He clarified that the Copyright Levy is a statutory provision captured under Section 89 of the Copyright Act and should not be confused with discretionary payments. Although the concept has existed in Nigeria’s copyright legal structure since 1988, he noted that it had remained largely dormant until the present administration took steps to implement it.
Okafor further explained that the Copy Levy is separate from traditional copyright royalties. While royalties are generated from activities such as public performances, broadcasts and reproductions, the levy operates under a distinct legal mechanism.
He urged musicians to register with MCSN as their Collective Management Organisation, adding that PMAN would forward verified records from its national database to facilitate a transparent and accountable disbursement process.
Also speaking at the event, PMAN Vice President Olamuyiwa Aralola, popularly known as Ara, encouraged artistes to complete their registration. Rapper Vector also advised musicians to stay informed and actively engaged in developments within the industry.
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