The House of Representatives has officially launched a formal investigation into allegations of systemic corruption and administrative irregularities within Nigeria’s copyright regulatory framework. Following mounting public outcry from the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) and a broad coalition of creative industry stakeholders, the House adopted a motion moved by Hon. Nkemkanma Kama to probe claims that a predatory scheme was weaponized against the Nigerian music industry by the immediate past Attorney-General and Minister of Justice to siphon funds from legitimate intellectual property owners. Lawmakers expressed deep concern that these alleged actions—if verified—have severely compromised the interests of musicians, authors, composers, and performers, threatening the livelihoods of artists and the broader creative economy. In accordance with Section 88 of the 1999 Constitution, the House Committee on Justice has been mandated to conduct a thorough inquiry, engaging key entities including the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), and various collective management organizations. The committee is expected to provide all involved parties a fair platform to present evidence and is required to submit its comprehensive findings and recommendations for legislative action within four weeks.
