The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has issued a stern warning to disc jockeys (DJs) against playing music in public without proper licensing, stating that offenders risk a fine of up to ₦1 million or a five-year prison sentence.

In an advisory released on Wednesday in Abuja, John Asein, Director-General of the NCC, expressed concern over the increasing trend of DJs performing copyrighted music without obtaining the required permissions from approved Collective Management Organisations (CMOs).

Asein emphasized that under Sections 9 and 12 of the Copyright Act (2022), only the copyright owner of a musical work or sound recording has the exclusive right to reproduce, perform, or communicate it to the public. Unauthorized use constitutes an infringement, which could result in civil liability or criminal charges under Section 44(7) of the Act.

“Violators face a minimum fine of ₦1 million or a jail term of five years—or both—upon conviction,” he stated.

The NCC urged DJs to secure the necessary licenses and pay royalties through the approved CMO, the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN). Asein noted that the Disc Jockey Association of Nigeria (DJAN) has already partnered with MCSN to streamline royalty payments for DJs nationwide under a negotiated tariff.

The commission warned that it would enforce the law rigorously, arresting and prosecuting any DJ found operating without proper authorization.

“The NCC will not tolerate copyright violations,” Asein said. “DJs must comply with licensing requirements to avoid legal consequences.”