PMAN urges unity as MCSN affirms Pretty Okafor’s leadership amidst CLBV exercise
By Godwin Okondo
THE Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has urged its members nationwide to disregard what it described as misinformation surrounding its leadership and the ongoing Copyright Levy Beneficiary Verification exercise, following what it called a clarifying statement by the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria Ltd/Gte (MCSN). This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Acting General Secretary of PMAN, Elizabeth Khara Gabriel, who said the association remains committed to protecting the rights, welfare and entitlements of Nigerian musicians.
In a member update issued after a World Press Conference held at the PMAN National Secretariat, Nigerian Music House, Lekki, Lagos, the association said MCSN had formally confirmed receipt and review of relevant court documents concerning PMAN’s leadership.
According to PMAN, MCSN acknowledged receiving a Certified True Copy of a Consent Judgment dated February 5, 2025, and a Certified True Copy of an Order of Interlocutory Injunction dated October 30, 2025, issued by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria. PMAN said MCSN further stated that, based on its board’s resolution and the principle of working with leadership recognised by the appropriate judicial authority, it is bound by the subsisting interlocutory injunction of October 30, 2025 to work with the Pretty Okafor-led PMAN leadership.
PMAN described the clarification as significant, saying it addressed confusion allegedly created by individuals “who have attempted to present themselves to stakeholders as what they are not.” The association alleged that letters and other content had been circulated to discourage musicians from participating in the Copy Levy Beneficiary Verification, warning that such actions were aimed at preventing eligible performers from being properly captured and considered for benefits.
The association also noted that MCSN sent a representative, Mr. Halim Mohammed, to the press conference, where he participated and took questions from journalists. PMAN said this demonstrated MCSN’s commitment to professionalism, transparency and engagement with what it described as its legitimate leadership structure in line with the court order.
Clarifying its role, PMAN stated that it is not responsible for disbursing or paying the copyright levy to individual musicians. Rather, it said its duty as the recognised union and association of performing musicians and employers of musicians nationwide is to ensure the existence of a credible and verified database of genuine performing musicians across both urban and rural Nigeria.
The association disclosed that it is finalising the first batch of verified names from the ongoing verification exercise for onward transmission to MCSN through the appropriate engagement channel, in line with the framework publicly reaffirmed by the society. It added that it would continue to insist on fairness, transparency and accountability to ensure that benefits reach legitimate musicians.
PMAN advised members to ignore what it termed factional propaganda and emotional blackmail that discourages participation in the verification process. It reiterated that the exercise is free-of-charge, warning members not to pay anyone and cautioning that multiple entries or false information would lead to disqualification.
Musician, Zubby Enebeli (left); Halim Mohammed; PMAN President, Pretty Okafor and lady drummer, Ara
