AVRS Shared N45m Royalties To Members In 1 Year

Audio Visual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS), the sole collective management organisation (CMO) for  audiovisual works in Nigeria, distributed N45 million in royalties to members with verified information between January 2023 and March 2024.

This was made known at the eight Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos. The chairman of AVRS, Mr. Mahmood Ali-Balogun, presented the  report on the distributions adding that it was members with verified account information that benefited from this.

Ali-Balogun who is a reputable film maker of more than three decades and half, noted that the AGM focused on four critical issues and highlighted AVRS’s efforts to engage with users of audiovisual works, focusing on hotels and other similar establishments.

“Our partnership with hotel associations in Lagos and Abuja, through group licensing agreements, has enabled smoother operations and fostered mutual understanding. These agreements, expiring in December, are already under renegotiation to align with market developments and industry needs. I want to commend the president of Hotel Owners and  Managers Association of Lagos (HOMAL), Chief Samuel Alabi for the continued compliance of its members to AVRS licensing obligations,” says the chairman.

In a significant development, the chairman confirmed progress on the Private Copying Levy, with substantial funds already collected and awaiting distribution to relevant Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) and rights holders. Members also  commended the Board and management for their dedication and sacrifice and expressed appreciation for the chairman’s exemplary leadership throughout the year.

Apart from the returning AVRS directors, Alh.Sani Muazu, Prince Jide Kosoko, Monalisa Chinda, Barr. Norbert Ajaegbu, Chief Rotimi Aina-Kushoro, Yemi Solade, Tunji Ojetola and Mrs. Bukola Adeyemi (GM); the general meeting featured the presence of many film industry heavyweights, including Zeb Ejiro, Emeka Ossai, Zik Zulu Okafor, Mike Nliam, Abdulrazak Abdullahi, Toyin Uthman, Lekan Oyegoke, Banke Ajani, Alex Eyengho and Francis Onwochei, who anchored the AGM with AVRS Consultant, Dr. Chinedu Chukwuji.

Representatives from the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), led by Mrs. Lynda Alphaeus, director of the Lagos Office; Mr. Adeniyi Ologun director General, HOMAL representing the president and reps of the media were also in attendance.

On enforcement efforts, Mr. Ali-Balogun detailed AVRS’s collaboration with the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) to ensure compliance from non-cooperative hotels, particularly in Abuja. “Enforcement actions, though challenging and costly, are essential to uphold the rights of our members and protect the value of their works,” he remarked.

Four vacant seats on the Management Board were filled through elections conducted in line with the organisation’s Articles of Association. Two incumbent directors, including the chairman, Mr. Mahmood Ali-Balogun and Chief Peddie Okao, were re-elected after retiring, while two new directors, Lancelot Imaseun and Nafisat Abdullahi, joined the Board.

Authorization for Royalty Distribution: Approval was granted to carry out distribution as soon as practicable in accordance with Article 16 of the society’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.

The AGM’s success also had the approval of the society’s  audited financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2023, along with the auditor’s and directors’ reports, which were presented and adopted. The external auditor, Olukayode Timehim and Co, provided the audit report, reflecting strong financial oversight.