The Nigerian music industry has grown into a global force, exporting sounds that dominate charts from Lagos to to all around the world. Yet, behind the glamour of record streams and viral hits lies a less talked-about reality unfavourable publishing deals that strip artists and songwriters of their rights. Understanding what lies in the fine print of music publishing contracts is no longer optional; it is essential for every creative and investor in the music business.

1. Understanding the Nature of a Publishing Deal
A music publishing agreement is a contract under which a songwriter assigns or licenses rights in their musical compositions to a publisher. The publisher then exploits those rights through licensing, synchronization, performance, or mechanical use and shares the revenue with the songwriter. In Nigeria, the framework for such arrangements is primarily governed by the Copyright Act 2022, which vests authors with economic and moral rights in their works.

2. Ownership and Assignment Clauses
One of the first red flags is a blanket assignment of copyright. Under the Copyright Act 2022, an assignment must be in writing and limited in scope and duration. Many contracts, however, transfer full ownership “in perpetuity” to the publisher, leaving the songwriter with no control or residual interest. Artists should insist on clarity: what rights are being assigned, for how long, and in what territories?

3. Royalty and Accounting Terms
Another frequent trap lies in the royalty structure. Publishing contracts often quote percentages without explaining the base of calculation whether gross or net revenue. Songwriters must also ensure that payment timelines, audit rights, and accounting standards are clearly stated. Under the Act, authors retain the right to equitable remuneration, a protection that becomes meaningless if the agreement lacks transparency in reporting.

4. Reversion and Termination Rights
An often-overlooked clause is the right of reversion. The Copyright Act allows the author to reclaim assigned rights after a specified term, particularly where the publisher fails to exploit the work. Contracts that omit or dilute this right expose creators to indefinite control by publishers, even when the works are inactive. A balanced publishing deal should provide clear exit options and fair triggers for termination.

5. Moral Rights and Modifications
The Act preserves an author’s right to object to distortion or mutilation of their work. Yet, many publishing agreements grant publishers excessive discretion to edit, remix, or adapt songs without the songwriter’s consent. This not only violates moral rights but can harm an artist’s reputation and creative integrity.

6. Foreign Publishing and Collection Societies
With Nigerian songs enjoying global reach, cross-border publishing arrangements are common. Parties must verify that the publisher is affiliated with reputable collective management organisations (CMOs) such as ASCAP, BMI, or PRS, and that royalty collection in foreign territories aligns with Nigerian CMOs like COSON or MCSN. Failure to harmonise collection rights can result in loss of international earnings.

Conclusion
Music publishing deals should empower, not enslave, the creator. Every clause assignment, royalty, reversion, or moral rights carries long-term consequences.Act has tilted the balance towards fairness, but the burden remains on artists and their counsel to read between the lines.