Broadcasting
NCC Suspends Operating License of COSON
The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) in line with the provision of Regulation 19 (2) of the Copyright (Collective Management Organizations) Regulation 2007 has suspended the Operating License of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (Ltd/Gte) (COSON) as a Collective Management organization for Music and Sound Recordings, following the approval of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN.
Mr. Afam Ezekude, director-general, NCC, who disclosed this in a document noted that the suspension is a follow-up to the continued failure and/or refusals of COSON to carry out the directive of the Commission issued vide its letter dated February 19, 2018.
The DG, had earlier conveyed the decision of the Commission to the General Manager of COSON, in a letter dated April 30, 2018.
According to the letter, COSON is to henceforth desist from negotiating and granting Copyright Licences, collecting Royalties on behalf of Copyright owners, or otherwise performing any functions of a Collective Management Organization, except otherwise directed by the Commission.
The Commission in a separate letter dated May 3, 2018 also directed the Management of COSON to refrain from making further withdrawals or expenses from the funds of COSON, within the period of suspension, except for purposes of meeting personnel emoluments. Other expenses of COSON, outside personnel emolument may however be made upon permission from the Director-General of the Commission.
Henceforth, the General Manager of COSON has been directed to forward to the Director-General, NCC, within 7 days, details of all bank accounts operated by COSON.
The DG said, the latter directive became necessary in view of the need to safeguard funds belonging to owners of Copyright in Music and Sound Recordings, whose works are administered by COSON, and to enable the Commission undertake necessary compliance checks in line with relevant provisions of the Copyright (Collective Management Organizations) Regulations 2007.
It would be recalled that the Commission received a petition from some members of the Governing Board of COSON, requesting the Commission to intervene and investigate the events at the Extra Ordinary General Meeting of COSON held on Tuesday, December 19, 2017.
After due consideration of the petition, the Commission issued directives to the Management of COSON, not to implement certain decisions irregularly taken at the extraordinary General Meeting held on December 19, 2017, which were ostensibly in breach of statutory provisions and regulations guiding the operations of COSON.
Following the issuance of the directive, the Commission received a letter dated February 23, 2018 signed by the General Manager of COSON, indicating clearly the unwillingness of Management of COSON to comply with the directive of the Commission.
Other activities of Management of COSON which are glaring in the public domain have also confirmed the refusal of the Management to comply with the directive of the Commission as it is obliged to do under relevant laws and regulation guiding its operations.
Ezekude, has observed that the development in its entirety does not augur well for the development of Copyright administration in Nigeria.
Aside undermining the efficient administration of COSON to the utter disadvantage of authors and right owners in Music Industry, the continuing defiance of COSON Management to the directive of the Commission is a clear indication of its unwillingness to operate within the framework of the Copyright Act and Regulations guiding operations of Collective Management Organizations in Nigeria, for which there are clear consequences and sanctions.
The Commission has therefore advised Management of COSON to take necessary steps to comply with the directives of the Commission failing which further sanctions may be imposed on it in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Easter is almost here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to escape the everyday hustle and embark on a memorable adventure. Whether you’re craving some ‘chilling’ time, quality ‘family’ time, or a ‘pepper dem’ getaway, Nigeria offers endless possibilities for exploration. And the best part? Travelling locally has never been easier or more affordable.
Whether you’re a ‘newbie’ traveller or a seasoned pro, we’ve got you covered with essential hacks that will make your trip a breeze. Say goodbye to stress and hello to smooth sailing as you navigate your Easter getaway like a true travel expert.
Planning your trip is like packing your suitcase – essential, not optional
Just like you wouldn’t leave home without your power-bank (just in case!), don’t head off on a quick trip without a plan. A little prep can save you time, money, and stress — from booking flights and sorting transport, to packing light and right.
Nigeria has endless ways to travel. Flying with local airlines like Air Peace or Ibom Air is quick and budget-friendly, while renting a car gives you the freedom to explore scenic routes like the drive to Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls or the journey to Obudu Cattle Ranch. Not into driving? Buses like Peace Mass or God is Good are easy and affordable. And for a truly luxurious experience, you could even consider a chartered flight – if you’re balling!
Travel like a pro: The art of smart packing
Packing smartly is a crucial travel hack that can save both time and money. Amelia Campher recently shared on TikTok how she organised her hair, beauty, makeup, and personal accessories into different vanity cases and toiletry bags from Temu. Each one perfectly stores her daily essentials, keeping everything neat and accessible. She excitedly told her followers, “This is your sign to buy these bags!” Her clever packing strategy ensures that she’s ready for any trip without unnecessary clutter or stress.
Take Jasmin’s experience, for example. After getting hit with extra carry-on fees on a previous flight, she decided to be smarter about her upcoming family trip. In her search for a solution, she found the perfect backpack on Temu for just under ₦40k. Ticking all the boxes, it avoided extra carry-on fees and allowed her to efficiently pack 16 items plus a makeup bag. When they arrived at the airport, Jasmin’s family breezed through check-in with no issues, their backpacks meeting size requirements perfectly. No extra charges, no stress; just a smooth start to their unforgettable five-day family trip.
Backpacks aren’t just ideal for air travel – they’re also perfect for road trips. Whether you’re cramming your car with family and their belongings or flying high, packing smart and light is essential. A compact, well-organised backpack can make your journey easier, no matter the mode of transport.
To avoid unexpected charges when flying within Nigeria this Easter, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with airline baggage policies; while Economy Class typically permits 15kg to 20kg of checked luggage, and Premium Economy or Business Class allows up to 30kg, always verify specific weight limits with your chosen airline to prevent costly excess baggage fees, especially if you plan on packing more than the standard allowance.
No passport needed: Pack your bags for a Naija Detty Easter
Why travel halfway across the world when Nigeria has it all? This Easter, skip the long-haul and discover the treasures on your doorstep. From the buzzing streets of Lagos to the ancient city of Benin and the serene hills of Jos, unforgettable adventures are just a short trip away.
By travelling locally, you’re not only creating new memories — you’re also supporting local tourism and helping grow our economy. With so many destinations to explore, there’s something for every kind of traveller. So pack your bags, plan smartly, and make this Easter your best Naija Detty holiday yet.
The heartbeat of Lagos is about to receive a powerful new rhythm as KONFAM 89.5 FM officially launches in Lagos tomorrow, Wednesday.
Kayode Adegbite, founder, KONFAM FM,
KONFAM FM, Kayode Adegbite, brainchild of seasoned entrepreneur and media innovator, is a cutting-edge radio station poised to redefine the broadcasting landscape in Nigeria.
It promises to bring a fresh, tech-driven, and culturally rich approach to radio transmission.
Described as a fusion of technology, creativity, and community, KONFAM FM aims to captivate Lagosians with content that speaks directly to their experiences.
Whether it’s music, news, entertainment, lifestyle, or talk shows, the station is built to reflect the soul of the city and the pulse of its people.
Adegbite is no stranger to transformation.
As CEO of MediaCrush Nigeria Ltd, a leading Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising company, he has spent the past decade revolutionizing how brands engage with audiences across Nigeria.
With over 20 years of experience spanning finance, marketing, and media, he is now channeling his vision into broadcasting.
“KONFAM is not just another radio station,” Kayode said in a pre-launch interview.
“It is a movement, a platform for authentic voices, compelling stories, and meaningful conversations that empower and entertain.”
From its sleek state-of-the-art studio in the heart of Lagos to its impressive lineup of on-air personalities and programs, KONFAM FM is designed to be interactive, engaging, and youth-focused.
Festus Sanmi Onifade, subscriber and legal practitioner, has withdrawn his lawsuit challenging alleged unfair price hikes by MultiChoice Nigeria Limited, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Also listed as a defendant in the suit is the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
In a notice of discontinuance, dated April 1, 2025, the claimant formally informed the court of his decision to wholly withdraw the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/363/2025.
However, the notice, signed by Onifade, did not advance reasons for the withdrawal.
Onifade had earlier approached the court to challenge what he described as an unfair and unjust price increase announced by MultiChoice Nigeria, slated to take effect from March 15, 2025.
In the originating summons, he asked the court to determine, among other things, whether, given Section 128 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018, and other relevant laws, the notice of the impending price increase issued by the first defendant was not unfair, unjust, grossly inadequate and a breach of his consumer rights; whether, considering the subsisting appeal in MultiChoice Nigeria Ltd & Ors v. Festus Onifade & Ors, the defendant was not stopped from further increasing the price of its services.
The suit centred on legal tussle between Onifade and MultiChoice over price hikes, which the claimant insisted were being implemented in defiance of regulatory standards and without adequate consumer engagement.
OOUTH Commends IHS Nigeria, UNICEF for Life-Saving Oxygen Plant Donation
Google Launches 2025 AI Startups Accelerator Program for African Innovators
MoMo PSB Launches Refer & Win Promo: Free Airtime or Data for Life Awaits Nigerians
Reps Panel Demands N182bn Refund from Remita Over TSA Discrepancies
DRIF25 Brings Together 1,000 Delegates in Lusaka
General News3 days agoWorld Bank Announces $800m Support for Nigeria’s CCT Initiative
E-Financial3 days agoFour Red Flags Nigerians Ignored until CBEX Crashed- DUBAWA
Telecom2 days agoBanks, Telcos Mull New Billing Plans for USSD Airtime Payments
- General News3 days ago
MIT MBA Students Explore Digital Innovation at MTN Nigeria
Telecom3 days agoHow Starlink Took over Africa’s Largest Internet Market
General News3 days agoNITDA, SecDojo Forge Partnership to Strengthen Nigeria’s Cybersecurity Resilience
E-Business2 days agoNIPOST in Intensive Care, Needs Reforms Need to – Kekemeke
Telecom3 days agoMTN Champs Lagos Continental Relays: A Celebration of Sportsmanship and Fun