Lagos Government Aims to Safeguard Artists’ Royalties with New Legislation

The Lagos State Government has revealed plans to introduce legislation aimed at safeguarding the rights of Nigerian artists and ensuring they receive their full royalties from record labels. Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, made this announcement during an interview session with members of the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism in Lagos.

This initiative comes in response to the tragic death of rising Nigerian artist Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, who faced challenges accessing royalties held by his record label owner. Benson-Awoyinka emphasized the need to clean up the music industry and provide legal support for artists, aiming to prevent similar cases from occurring in Lagos.

She stated, “We don’t want the case of Mohbad happening again in Lagos. As a government, we must learn to play our part. We will help in reviewing artists’ legal agreements and documentation to ensure fair treatment. No rising star should have only 15 percent right to their music.”

In memory of Mohbad’s untimely death, the Lagos State Government is committed to taking proactive measures to protect the rights of artists, making the entertainment industry more secure and appealing to emerging talents.