APPRAISAL OF THE LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS IN NIGERIA’S MUSIC AND FILM INDUSTRY

ABSTRACT The protection and enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) are fundamental to safeguarding creative works and ensuring the economic sustainability of the music and film industry in Nigeria. This study undertook a critical appraisal of the legal and institutional framework governing IPRs in Nigeria’s music and film sectors, analyzing the extent to which existing laws and institutions meet contemporary industry needs. The study relied on both primary sources, such as the Copyright Act, 2022 and relevant case law and secondary sources including scholarly articles, policy documents, and industry reports, the research evaluates the effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms and the role of regulatory bodies such as the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB). The work highlighted persistent challenges, including piracy, weak enforcement, technological disruptions, and inadequate industry awareness of rights and remedies. It further examined the implications of Nigeria’s international obligations under treaties such as the Berne Convention and the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). The study revealed significant gaps between legislative intent and practical enforcement, identifying opportunities for reform through strengthened institutional capacity, digital rights management, and enhanced stakeholder collaboration. The findings contributed to scholarship by bridging the gap between law and practice in Nigeria’s creative sector and offered policy recommendations for a more robust IPR protection regime capable of fostering sustainable growth in the music and film industries.