The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) has reacted to the formal recognition and licensing of a Collective Management Organization (CMO) for Audio Visual Property Rights in Nigeria, describing it as very timely, apt and commendable.

In a statement by its Public Affairs Head, Brian Etuk Head, NFC said the establishment of the CMO will among others, go a long way in adding up to the consolidation efforts of the Audiovisual sector of Nigeria’s Creative Industry especially the film sector which has continually attracted the attention of government, private entrepreneurs, fund providers and investors to be regulated.

The statement, quotes Dr. Danjuma Dadu, NFC’s Managing Director, as saying that the establishment and licensing of the CMO was achieved through the collective efforts of all stakeholders geared towards protecting the intellectual property rights of Audio Visual professionals as well as enabling them have access to residual benefits thereof.

Dadu averred that the CMO has also brought to rest, the issue of non-compliance with the international rules by users of Audiovisual works without approved rights or payments thereof. He tasked filmmakers to take opportunities that have been provided with the licensing of the CMO and improve on their quality of production. The Nigerian Film Corporation, he said, will continue to engage all stakeholders on the need to adequately regulate the sector in line with best global practices. All relevant laws, including that which will regulate the professional practice of filmmakers in Nigeria, Dadu said, are being adequately addressed.

He commended all filmmakers for the sustenance of the fortunes of the film industry in the outgoing year. Dadu equally charged the Mahmood Ali-Balogun interim leadership of the CMO to constructively engage and sensitize all stakeholders on the role and benefits of subscribing to the CMO as registered members.

Meanwhile, Mahmood Ali-Balogun has said that it is no longer going to be business as usual, especially for users of audio visual works. Compensation must be paid for every use of our intellectual property by every broadcast media or organizations that use our works for profitability. Goal posts have moved, licenses must be obtained for the exploitation of films and broadcast works,”Ali-Balogun said.