The Nigerian entertainment industry consists of bodies that regulate its activities. It also consists of associations that an entertainment practitioner (or an intending one) can identify with.
This list contains both regulatory and professional bodies
REGULATORY BODIES
- The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC)
This is a body entrusted with the power to regulate, advise and monitor matters of copyright law in Nigeria. It was first established in 1989 as the Nigerian Copyright Council. Later in 1996, it became known as the Nigerian Copyright Commission. The NCC is a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal. It may sue and be sued in its corporate name. Section 34(3) of the Copyright Act 1988 provides for the statutory function of the commission viz:
- The Commission shall be responsible for all matters affecting copyright in Nigeria as provided for in the Act.
- It shall also monitor and supervise Nigeria’s position in relation to international conventions and advise the government thereon.
- It shall advise and regulate conditions for the conclusion of bilateral and multilateral agreement between Nigeria and any other country.
- Enlighten and inform the public on matters relating to copyright.
- Maintain an effective data bank on authors and their works.
- Be responsible for such other matters as relating to copyright in Nigeria as the Minister may from time to time direct
- The Federal High Court
The Federal High Court was established by the Federal Revenue Act 1993. It was later renamed the Federal High Court by s. 228 (1) and s. 230 (2) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). It has exclusive jurisdiction on several matters among which is copyright, designs, patents and trademarks.
- National Film & Video Censor’s Board
The National Film & Video Censor’s Board is the regulatory body set up by the Act of the same name (No 85 of 1993) to regulate films and video industry in Nigeria. The Board is empowered to classify all films and videos whether imported or produced locally. It is also the duty of the Board to register all films and videos outlets across the country and to keep a register of such registered outlets among other functions.
It is also the role of the Board to interface with relevant guilds and associations in the film industry for an effective implementation of policies.
Visit www.nfvcb.gov.ng for more information
- National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)
The NBC is established by section 1 of the NBC Act, laws of the federation of Nigeria, 2004 and is the main regulator of the broadcasting industry in Nigeria. The Commission in its advisory capacity to the Federal Government regularly adopts scientific research methods to gather data, analyse trends in line with the dynamism of the industry and advise government accordingly. The Commission has the responsibility to receive, process and consider applications for the establishment, ownership and operation of radio and TV stations including cable television service, direct satellite broadcast and any other medium of broadcasting; radio and TV stations owned, established or operated by the federal, state and local government and stations run under private ownership. It is currently headed by Ishaq Modibbo Kawu.
PROFESSIONAL BODIES
- Collecting Society of Nigeria (COSON)
It is a collective management organization (CMO) approved by the NCC to act on behalf of authors, composers, performers, publishers of musical works and owners of sound recordings in Nigeria. COSON currently has 100 reciprocal agreements with collecting societies all over the world to ensure that the work of their members is protected wherever they may be exploited in the world. In 2016, COSON partnered with the International Federation of the Phonographic industry to help with the collection and distribution of performance royalties to rights holders and artists.
- Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN)
The MCSN is a collective body similar to the COSON. There have been uncertainties as to the status of the MCSN as an additional collecting society. However, they recently won a suit against COSON to be joined as an additional collecting society by the NCC.
- Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN)
This is an umbrella body that regulates and represents the affairs of film actors in Nigeria and abroad. The body is currently headed by Emeka Rollas who serves as President since August 22, 2017.
- Directors’ Guild of Nigeria
This is an entertainment guild which serves as the umbrella body for film and TV directors in the Nigerian motion picture industry. It is currently headed by Fred Amata who serves as the president.
- Screen Writers’ Guild of Nigeria
This is an umbrella body made up of screen writers. A visit online reveals they do not have a website. Their office address is not known. However, notable screen writers include Tade Ogidan, Lancelot Imaseun, Charles Novia.
- Nigerian Society of Cinematographers
They have no website. Their office address is not known. However, they have a facebook page last updated in 2015. Notable cinematographers in Nigeria are 1) Kemi Adetiba 2) Aje Filmworks 3) Olamide Edison 4) Graimmy 5) Clarence Peters.
- Creative Designers’ Guild of Nigeria
According to their website, “The Creative Designers’ Guild of Nigeria is one of the guilds in Nollywood, Nigerian film industry. The guild is responsible for the creative arts department of the industry. It has four departments namely: Property managers, makeup artists, Costume designers and set designers. The guild was formed in 2002 with Iyen Obaseki emerging as the first president. Membership is open to all Nigerians that are in the creative department of movie making or practicing in Nollywood, irrespective of their gender or state of origin. The guild has members and chapters in all states”.
- Association of Nigerian Theatre Practitioners
This was formed by the Yoruba-genre filmmakers. It presently does not have a website. Though, it has a facebook page which was last updated in January, 2018. The contents on the facebook page mostly include invitations for auditions and castings. Their office is located Yaba, Lagos. The ANTP has been recently trailed with controversies owing to leadership tussles. There is presently a break-away faction, Theatre Arts and Movie Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN).
- Motion Picture Association of Nigeria (MPAN)
MPAN is largely made up of filmmakers of the Hausa genre. It was incorporated in 2004 by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). According to their blogspot last updated in 2010, “It is an umbrella body providing guidance and capacity building for the development of the industry not only in Kano, but in the Northern part of Nigeria. The Association has other affiliate bodies under its umbrella. It further states, ….Within the last 20 years or so, thousands of Nigerian video films were released into the market of which over 33% of these being Kannywood films”.
- Performing Musicians’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN)
An organization founded by Christy Essien-Igbokwe & Sonny Okosun in 1984 to guide, protect and promote the interests of musicians in the West African nation of Nigeria. The organization also has responsibility to regulate the practice of music profession in the country. The PMAN is authorized by the Trade Union Congress Act. It is presently headed by Lord Kersten Boutrillion.
Other relevant bodies are:
- Association of Movie practitioners (AMP)
- Association of Itsekiri Performing Artistes (AIPA)
- Video Club Owners Association in Nigeria
- Video Rental Operators Owners Association of Nigeria
- Association of Film Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria.
- Association of Movie Producers
- National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners
- Television Producers’ Association of Nigeria
- Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria
- Committee of National Guild Association
- Yoruba Film Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria
- All Nigeria Conference of Envagelical Drama Ministers
- Elegusi Marketers’ Association
- Conference of Motion Picture Practitioners of Nigeria
- United Film Rentals Association of Nigeria
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