Streaming pays you through your distributor, but radio, TV, clubs and other businesses in Nigeria also owe you royalties when they use your music. Those are collected by a collective management organisation (CMO). Here is who that is in 2026, and how to register.
Quick answer
- Join MCSN (Musical Copyright Society Nigeria), the only CMO the NCC has approved for musical works and sound recordings.
- Membership is free for creators and rightsholders.
- COSON is not approved: its approval lapsed in May 2019.
- Keep using a distributor for streaming income; MCSN covers broadcast and public use.
Who collects music royalties in Nigeria
Under the Copyright Act 2022, a collecting society needs approval from the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC). The NCC has stated that the only CMO approved for music and sound recordings is the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN). The NCC renewed MCSN’s operating licence with effect from 1 January 2025. MCSN licenses broadcasters, venues and other music users, then pays the money to its members.
| You are | Register with MCSN as | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Songwriter, composer or lyricist | Composer / Author | Musical works: composition and publishing rights |
| Music publisher | Publisher (corporate) | Musical works you publish |
| Recording artist or session performer | Performer | Sound recordings: neighbouring rights |
| Producer or record label | Producer / Record label | Sound recordings you own |
What happened to COSON
Many artists still hear about COSON (Copyright Society of Nigeria). The NCC says COSON’s approval lapsed on 19 May 2019 and was not renewed, and that a Federal High Court ruling on 1 December 2021 upheld that position. Acting as a CMO without approval is an offence under the Copyright Act, so check that any society you deal with is NCC-approved.
How to join MCSN (free)
- Go to the official MCSN website (mcsnnigeria.org) and open Membership → Join.
- Choose individual (performer, composer, author, producer) or corporate (publisher, record label).
- Have a copy of your National ID, international passport or NIN and a recent passport photograph. Companies need a certificate of registration, status report or MEMART and at least 5 works by at least two authors.
- Add your royalty payment details (bank account and TIN) and next of kin.
- Submit at least one work, then add your other songs and recordings.
Questions about membership go to MCSN’s members team, listed on its website.
Latest: the 2026 private copying levy dispute
In January 2026 record labels, through the Record Label Proprietors Initiative (ReLPI), and the global industry body IFPI asked the NCC to pause paying the private copying levy on sound recordings to MCSN. The labels say their members opted out under the Copyright Act 2022. The NCC’s position, as reported, is that MCSN is the only recognised CMO. If you are signed to a label, ask how it collects these royalties for you.
Sources: MCSN official website, Nigerian Copyright Commission statement reported by Tribune Online, Voice of Nigeria report on the NCC’s renewal of MCSN’s licence (January 2025), Pulse Nigeria (26 January 2026). Checked 2 November 2026.
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Which collecting society is approved in Nigeria?
The Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN). It describes itself as the only collective management organisation approved by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) to license, monitor and distribute royalties for musical works and sound recordings in Nigeria.
Is COSON still a licensed CMO?
No. According to the NCC, COSON’s approval lapsed on 19 May 2019 and has not been renewed, and a Federal High Court ruling in December 2021 upheld that position. The NCC has warned that anyone dealing with COSON as a CMO does so at their own risk.
Is MCSN membership free?
Yes. MCSN’s join page says membership is free for music creators and rightsholders.
Who can join MCSN?
Songwriters, composers, lyricists and publishers for musical works, and recording artists, session performers, producers and record labels for sound recordings.
Do I still need a distributor?
Yes. MCSN collects when your music is broadcast or used by businesses in Nigeria. Your distributor collects streaming and download income from Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, YouTube Music and TikTok.
About the author
Anaya Zawadi is the Content Manager at Interfine Music, the Africa-first music distributor founded in Nairobi in 2024. She writes practical guides that help independent African artists release, protect and earn from their music.
