The Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigerian (PMAN), led by Pretty Okafor, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for signing into law the Copyright Amended Bill, which repeals the Copyright Act, Cap C28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, The Punch reports.
President Buhari had on March 17, 2023 appended his signature to the Copyright Act 2022, which provides for the regulation, protection and administration of copyright in Nigeria.
In a statement, Okafor applauded President Buhari for signing the bill into law, describing it as a welcome development.
He further said that the new Copyright Act would go a long way in promoting creativity and encouraging Nigerian artistes to be more productive.
The PMAN president also expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN); Director General, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Dr. John Asein and the National Assembly members for the epoch making legislation.
He thanked Senator Tokunbo Abiru representing Lagos East District in the Senate; Nigerian Television Authority; musicians, especially 2face Idibia and Nollywood actors that accompanied him to the National Assembly to defend the bill during the public hearing.
“President Buhari has demonstrated unalloyed commitment to the growth of Nigerian music and entertainment. This noble gesture will not only have a positive impact on the nation’s creative sector, it would also rub off greatly on the economy,” Okafor said.
He appealed to all Nigerians, especially content creators and users, to support Buhari’s gesture and ensure that the initiative works for a better creative industry.
“I equally appeal to all music pirates and unauthorised creative content users to desist from their nefarious activities, as it would not be business as usual with this new Copyright Amendment Bill,” Okafor stressed.
