Nigerian artists achieved a historic financial milestone in 2024, generating over ₦58 billion in royalties on Spotify alone, according to the 2024 Spotify Loud & Clear report released Thursday.

The figure, which represents more than double the earnings of 2023 and five times that of 2022, underscores the rapid commercial growth of Nigerian music on a global scale.

Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Spotify’s Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, attributed this growth to the exceptional talent and creativity within Nigeria’s music industry.

“We remain committed to empowering Nigerian artists to earn from their art whilst maintaining transparency with artists and stakeholders,” she said.

The report also highlighted a dramatic increase in the number of Nigerian artists generating over ₦10 million in royalties, with figures more than doubling year-over-year.

Key Report Highlights

• Nigerian artists were discovered over 1 billion times by first-time listeners in 2024.
• Over 1,900 Nigerian artists were added to Spotify editorial playlists, a 33% increase from 2023.
• A significant portion of the ₦58 billion in royalties originated from international audiences.

Global Impact of Nigerian Music

The report detailed the rising global influence of Nigerian music:

• Listeners worldwide streamed Nigerian artists for an average of 1.1 million hours.
• Users created approximately 250 million playlists featuring Nigerian artists.
• The export growth of Nigerian artists increased by 49% over the past three years.

Local consumption of Nigerian content also surged, with a 206% year-over-year increase in 2024 and an extraordinary 782% growth since 2022.

Spotify’s report highlights the dynamic evolution of Nigeria’s music scene and reaffirms its commitment to supporting creative talent across the region.

Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, restrained the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) from taking “any administrative steps” against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited following its upward review of DStv and GOtv bouquet prices.

Justice James Omotosho issued the order following an ex parte motion filed by MultiChoice’s lawyer, Moyosore J. Onigbanjo (SAN), against the FCCPC, in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/379/2025. Justice James Omotosho gave the order after an ex-parte motion moved by Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, counsel to MultiChoice.

Justice Omotosho, in the motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/379/2025, ordered FCCPC not to take “any administrative steps” against the pay-Tv company.

The FCCPC had summoned MultiChoice Nigeria Ltd to provide explanations regarding the March 1 price review of its packages.

The commission directed the company’s chief executive officer to appear for an investigative hearing on Feb. 27, raising concerns over frequent price hikes, potential market dominance abuse and anti-competitive practices within the pay-TV industry.

The FCCPC also issued a stern warning, stating that failure to justify the price adjustment or comply with fair market principles would lead to regulatory sanctions.

However in the ex parte motion filed by MultiChoice’s legal team led by Onigbanjo, the company sought an order of interim injunction restraining the FCCPC and its officers from carrying out the threat against it, as communicated via a letter dated March 3, pending the hearing and determination of the motion for an interlocutory injunction.

It also sought an order restraining the commission and its officers from issuing any further directive or taking any steps capable of disrupting its business activities, pending the hearing and determination of the motion for an interlocutory injunction.

“An order of interim injunction restraining the FCCPC, its agents, servants, or privies from sanctioning or penalising MultiChoice (the applicant) in any manner whatsoever in relation to its price increase pending the hearing and determination of the motion for an interlocutory injunction.” .

Onibanjo, in his grounds of argument, submitted that Nigeria operates a free-market economy where prices of goods and services are not regulated.

He argued that the FCCPC Act and other enabling laws do not grant the commission the authority to regulate prices or require businesses to seek approval before adjusting the cost of their services.

He added that MultiChoice had communicated its intention to increase prices via a letter dated Feb 21.

He said that the FCCPC, however, in a letter dated Feb. 27, ordered the pay-TV company to suspend its planned price increment.

The lawyer said following the development, the company filed a suit on March 3, challenging, among other things, the FCCPC’s power to regulate prices or suspend its price adjustment.

He said MultiChoice, after filing the suit, proceeded with the planned price increase.

He said despite the pending suit, the FCCPC threatened to prosecute MultiChoice via a letter dated March 3 if it failed to provide reasonable justification for disregarding the directive to suspend the price increment.

In an affidavit deposed to by Gozie Onumonu, head of Regulatory Affairs and Government Relations at MultiChoice, the company argued that its subscription rates in Nigeria are the lowest among all the countries where it operates.

“For instance, the cost of the Premium package in Nigeria is equivalent to $29.81, while the same package costs $85.11 in Kenya,” Onumonu said.

The officer maintained that MultiChoice had the legal right to operate its business, including adjusting its prices when necessary.

When the matter was called on Wednesday, Onigbanjo moved the motion, praying the court to grant their reliefs.

The judge, after hearing the lawyer’s application, restrained the FCCPC from taking any “administrative steps” against MultiChoice pending the determination of the case.

The judge equally ordered an accelerated hearing on the matter and adjourned the matter until March 27 for hearing.

Running a business in Nigeria isn’t just about providing quality products or services; it’s also about making sure you get paid on time. Too often, business owners find themselves chasing payments, sending repeated reminders, and struggling with cash flow gaps. According to a PwC report, 48% of Nigerian SMEs experience delayed payments, which can disrupt operations, affect salaries, and slow down business growth.

But the real cost of these delays isn’t just the stress of waiting—it’s the uncertainty it creates. Businesses struggle to plan ahead, restock inventory, pay workers, or even keep the lights on. Without predictable payments, expansion is nearly impossible, and owners are left firefighting short-term financial struggles rather than focusing on growth.

If you’re tired of chasing customers for money, here are seven simple ways to ensure you get paid on time—without the stress. The seventh tip includes a newly unveiled tech tool.

1. Set Clear Payment Terms from the Start

One of the biggest reasons payments are delayed is because customers aren’t sure when or how to pay. Avoid this by clearly outlining payment terms before any transaction. Let customers know the exact due date, acceptable payment methods, and any penalties for late payments.

For businesses offering services, a simple invoice with clear terms helps. If you run a school, cooperative, or subscription-based service, structuring payments with due dates reduces confusion. When expectations are clear, payments are more likely to come in on time.

2. Request Upfront or Part Payments

Rather than waiting until the end of a service period to get paid, consider requesting a percentage of the payment upfront. This ensures that customers are financially committed from the start.

For example, if you run a catering business, you can require 50% of the payment before sourcing ingredients. Schools can structure fees into manageable installment plans to encourage parents to pay in advance. When customers have already invested in your service, they are more likely to complete payments on time.

3. Automate Payment Reminders

People get busy, and sometimes, late payments are due to forgetfulness rather than unwillingness to pay. Sending reminders before due dates can prevent this. Instead of calling each customer individually, use automated reminders via SMS, WhatsApp, or email.

For instance, a gym owner can schedule monthly reminders for members before their subscription renewal. Cooperatives collecting monthly contributions can send automatic alerts to remind members of upcoming payments. A simple nudge at the right time can make all the difference.

4. Reward Reliable Customers

Sometimes, the best way to encourage timely payments is to reward the customers who consistently pay on time. This creates an incentive for others to follow suit while reinforcing good payment habits.

For example, a school could offer early payment discounts for parents who settle fees before term starts. A business that provides services on credit could prioritize loyal customers for special deals or extended services. When customers know there’s a benefit to paying on time, they’re more likely to make it a habit.

5. Offer Discounts for Early Payments

Everyone loves a good deal, and small incentives can go a long way in encouraging customers to pay on time. Consider offering a small discount for customers who pay early.

For example, a school can offer a 5% discount on fees paid before the term starts. Landlords can offer a slight reduction on rent if tenants pay before the due date. Small rewards create urgency, motivating customers to settle payments quickly.

6. Enforce Late Payment Penalties (But Politely)

While incentives encourage early payments, penalties discourage late ones. Establishing a small late fee can push customers to prioritize your payment over others. However, the key is to communicate it upfront and enforce it politely.

For instance, a tailor can state that late balance payments will result in an extra charge per day. A cooperative can apply an administrative fee for overdue contributions. Many businesses use “grace periods” before applying penalties to give customers a fair chance. It’s about striking a balance between being firm and maintaining good customer relationships.

7. Use PaywithAccount to Automate and Secure Your Payments

Even with all the right steps in place, managing collections manually can still be time-consuming and stressful. That’s why OnePipe launched PaywithAccount two weeks ago—to help Nigerian businesses get paid on time without the hassle.

PaywithAccount allows businesses to automate payments, ensuring funds are collected directly from customer accounts without the need for follow-ups. This means fewer delays, predictable cash flow, and no more awkward reminders. By eliminating the inefficiencies of traditional payment methods, businesses can focus on what truly matters—growth and customer satisfaction.

Whether you run a school, a cooperative, a gym, or any business that relies on scheduled payments, PaywithAccount simplifies collections and provides peace of mind. Learn more at paywithaccount.com/signup.

In conclusion, late payments can be frustrating, but they don’t have to be the norm. By setting clear expectations, offering flexible options, and using the right tools, you can ensure steady cash flow without stress.

The most successful businesses don’t waste time running after payments—they set up systems that make payments run smoothly. With the right strategy in place, you can focus less on collecting money and more on growing your business.