Intellectual Property Workshop Strengthens U.S-Nigeria Commercial Ties in Music Industry

FUNSHO AROGUNDADE

The United States Consulate General in Lagos recently convened more than 120 intellectual property, IP, policymakers, lawyers, music executives, artists, producers, distributors, and other creative industry stakeholders for a three-day workshop focused on how stronger IP protection can unlock investment, expand revenues, and create new commercial opportunities for both American businesses and Nigeria’s rapidly growing music industry.

The workshop, titled “IP for Growth in Africa: Lagos Music Industry Workshop,” was held as part of the U.S. Mission’s celebration of 250 years of independence.

Organisers said it provided a platform to share U.S. experience in building a global music industry while learning from Nigeria’s innovation and talent in Afrobeats and other genres.

At the closing ceremony, U.S. Consul General Brandon Hudspeth highlighted the deepening commercial ties between the American and Nigerian music industries.

He noted that U.S. record labels including Universal Music Group, EMPIRE, Sony, and Warner Music Group, as well as platforms such as YouTube, Meta, and Apple Music, have helped Nigerian artists reach global audiences, generate revenue, attract investment, and create jobs across the creative value chain.

“The United States sees Nigeria’s music industry not only as a powerful cultural force, but as a significant trade and investment opportunity. As Afrobeats reaches more listeners around the world, we will continue to see more American music companies work with more Nigerian artists, labels, publishers, platforms, and other creative businesses,” Consul General Hudspeth said.

He added that strong IP protection and enforcement are essential to give U.S. music companies the certainty needed to enter partnerships, finance projects, develop new markets, and invest long term.

“For Nigeria, strong IP protection gives U.S. investors greater confidence, gives creators greater control over their work, and creates the conditions for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic to invest, partner, and grow,” Hudspeth said.

The event was organized in partnership with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, USPTO; the U.S. Mission in Geneva; and Nigerian alumni of the American Music Mentorship Program, AMMP.

AMMP is a U.S. government exchange program implemented with the Recording Academy, the organization behind the GRAMMY Awards.

The 10 Nigerian AMMP alumni contributed U.S. and Nigerian music industry experience, insights, and professional networks to the discussions.

Panelists also cited existing commercial partnerships such as Universal Music Group-Mavin and EMPIRE-YBNL as examples of U.S.-Nigeria collaboration that have helped bring Nigerian Afrobeats to global audiences, expand market access, and create new revenue streams.

Speakers and panelists examined the legal and commercial foundations of a sustainable music industry.

Sessions covered copyright ownership, royalty systems, IP enforcement, licensing, contracts, music monetization, streaming, publishing, and international market access.

Participants included: Obi Asika, Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture; Dr. John Asein, Director General, Nigeria Copyright Commission; Dr. Tobi Moody, Director, World Intellectual Property Organization Nigeria Country Office; Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment; and Representatives of leading American music companies operating in Nigeria.

The U.S. government said it remains committed to supporting bilateral and multilateral initiatives that bring together music industry professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders to build a sustainable music business with strong IP protections.

Organizers noted that clearer IP frameworks help creators retain control of their work, enable more predictable revenue flows through royalties and licensing, and encourage the kind of investment needed to scale Nigeria’s music industry globally.

The workshop concluded with a call for continued collaboration between U.S. and Nigerian stakeholders to strengthen IP policies, improve enforcement, and expand commercial opportunities for artists and businesses in both countries.