The Collective Management Regulations, 2025 provide a comprehensive legal framework for how organisations (called Collective Management Organisations or CMOs) manage copyrights on behalf of creators, such as musicians, writers, and artists in Nigeria. This regulation outlines how CMOs are formed, governed, and monitored to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in collecting and distributing royalties. The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) is responsible for overseeing compliance and enforcement. Existing CMOs approved under the Copyright (Collective Management Organisations) Regulations 2007 may continue operations until the expiry of their current approval. However, all renewal applications must comply fully with the 2025 Regulations.

Objectives of the Regulation

• Set clear rules for how CMOs are approved, renewed, and operated.
• Ensure copyright owners get fair representation and compensation.
• Protect the rights of users and promote accountability.

Becoming a CMO

To be approved by the NCC, an organisation must:

• Be a registered company in Nigeria.
• Have 100+ copyright owners backing it.
• Provide legal documents (e.g., MoA, AoA, board details).
• Approval is valid for 5 years, renewable every 3 years.

Fees

Application to operate as a CMO – ₦1,000,000.00

Application for renewal of approval – ₦ 500,000.00

Administrative Fines

A CMO is liable to an administrative fee ranging from ₦ 200,000.00 to ₦ 500,000.00

Compliance Obligations

Collective Management Organisation

• Administer rights, monitor use, negotiate licenses, collect and distribute royalties
• Support members through enforcement assistance and social, cultural, and educational services
• Apply for, renew, and furnish the Commission with necessary corporate documentation
• Accept eligible members, explain membership rules, and allow withdrawal or assignment of rights
• Ensure fair treatment, participation in governance, and timely access to information
• Notify members of internal changes, maintain contact accessibility, and handle concerns transparently
• Report changes and submit meeting minutes to the Commission within the required timelines
• Cooperate with other CMOs and provide licensing and tariff information to users upon request
• Manage governance through the General Assembly and a balanced Board with term and conflict rules
• Appoint a CEO (not on board) and enforce internal conflict-of-interest policies
• Maintain split and holding accounts for royalties, and prepare standard financial records
• Submit detailed annual reports and uphold a member-approved distribution policy
• Distribute royalties within 3 months, cap admin costs at 30%, and approve deductions with oversight
• Offer a complaints resolution process, protect data, avoid unethical conduct, and respond to complaints
• Comply with all directives, sanctions, and reporting obligations from the Commission

Members

• Authorise CMOs to manage rights via written consent
• Assign rights to more than one CMO if not overlap
• Withdraw rights or membership at any time with notice
• Participate in governance and decision-making
• Vote and appoint proxies for the General Assembly
• Access financial reports, royalty statements, and governance updates
• Request specific data on royalties received, deductions, and usage
• Communicate concerns to the Board and escalate to the Commission if unresolved
• Receive continued access to information until the financial year ends after withdrawal
• Cannot serve simultaneously as CMO, CEO, or board member of another CMO

Nigerian Copyright Commission

• Grant, renew, or revoke approval to operate as a CMO
• Issue guidelines and receive application documents
• Investigate misconduct and financial irregularities
• Appoint auditors to examine CMO accounts if needed
• Query and sanction non-compliance by CMOs or their officers
• Receive and review annual reports, governance info, and financials
• Resolve disputes between CMOs, members, and users via the Dispute Resolution Panel
• Issue compliance notices with correction deadlines
• Enforce sanctions, including fines, suspensions, or disqualifications
• Track implementation of extended collective licensing
• Publish and enforce fines for administrative or ethical breaches

This regulation gives creators stronger control over how their work is used and ensures they are fairly paid. For users (like broadcasters, event organisers, and digital platforms), it ensures clarity and fairness in licensing. For the government, it strengthens the creative economy and ensures better regulation of intellectual property. Ultimately, it aims to build trust, fairness, and professionalism in Nigeria’s copyright system.