The House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Justice to investigate alleged irregularities in the administration and regulation of copyright matters in Nigeria.

The resolution followed a motion moved during plenary by Hon. Nkemkanma Kama, representing Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State.

The committee is expected to engage relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Nigerian Copyright Commission, representatives of the music industry, collective management organisations, the Copyright Society of Nigeria Ltd/GTE, musicians, authors, composers, performers and other persons or bodies connected with the issues raised.

The committee is to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

Moving the motion, Kama drew the attention of the House to public complaints by COSON and other copyright owners over alleged irregularities affecting the administration of copyright in Nigeria.

According to the motion, the complainants had urged the Federal Government to dismantle what they described as a scheme allegedly imposed on the Nigerian music industry to divert money belonging to innocent Nigerian copyright owners.

The motion stated that the allegations raised serious concerns about decisions and actions in the administration of copyright matters which may have adversely affected Nigerian musicians, authors, composers, performers and other rights holders.

Kama said the allegations, if established, could have serious implications for the protection of intellectual property rights, the creative industry and the livelihoods of Nigerian artists and copyright owners.

The lawmaker stressed the need to give all parties a fair opportunity to present their positions and relevant evidence in line with the principles of natural justice.

He also noted that the House has a constitutional responsibility under Section 88 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to ensure transparency, accountability and adherence to due process in the administration of public affairs and institutions established by law.

The House subsequently resolved to mandate the Committee on Justice to investigate the alleged irregularities, interface with all relevant stakeholders and submit its findings within four weeks.

The outcome of the investigation is expected to determine whether further legislative action will be taken to address concerns in Nigeria’s copyright administration and strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights in the creative sector.

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