The Musical Copyright Society Nigeria Limited by Guarantee (MCSN) has warned members of the public and businesses that use music against paying individuals or organisations allegedly issuing licences without the requisite authority. In a statement, MCSN alleged that the defunct Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) was being used by some……
The Musical Copyright Society Nigeria Limited by Guarantee (MCSN) has warned members of the public and businesses that use music against paying individuals or organisations allegedly issuing licences without the requisite authority.
In a statement, MCSN alleged that the defunct Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) was being used by some individuals to collect money from unsuspecting music users under the guise of granting licences for the exploitation of musical works.
The society claimed that COSON’s licence to operate as a Collective Management Organisation (CMO) was suspended in 2018 and subsequently expired.
MCSN further referenced a March 25, 2020 judgment of the Federal High Court, which it said ordered the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to strike COSON’s name from the companies register. According to MCSN, a subsequent court order of June 24, 2020, refusing a stay of execution of the judgment, remains in force.
The society also cited a June 21, 2021 ruling of the Federal High Court concerning COSON’s authority to operate as a CMO, noting that the matter was subsequently taken to the Court of Appeal.
MCSN said the Court of Appeal, in a decision delivered on July 6, 2026, affirmed the Federal High Court’s position, adding that the appellate court held that there was no existing licence that could be revoked.
Against this background, MCSN urged members of the public to exercise caution when approached for music licensing payments.
It warned that businesses and establishments that exploit music commercially—including hotels, lounges, event centres, cinemas, discotheques, bars, radio and television stations, telecommunications companies, and digital and online platforms—should ensure that they obtain licences from the appropriate authority.
MCSN maintained that it is the duly approved body authorised to license musical works for commercial exploitation and said it would continue to enforce the rights of copyright owners.
The society urged anyone seeking clarification on music licensing to engage the appropriate regulatory and copyright authorities before making payments.
“Anybody or institution that deals with [COSON] does so at its own risk,” MCSN said, reiterating its call for the public to verify the authority of any organisation offering copyright licences.
