Jubilation as COSON resumes copyright royalties distribution, disburses N208m

It was jubilation on Tuesday, November 7, as the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) said it has resumed full distribution of royalties to its members, with N208.5million earmarked for both members and affiliates.

National Chairman of COSON, Tony Okoroji, disclosed this during the society’s 2023 yearly General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos. He said the development followed a resolution adopted by the members in the course of the AGM.

“Of the amount, the sum of N62,664,000 is set aside as ‘palliative royalty distribution’. The money is being split equally among all members of the society whose names appear on the society’s register as at May 19, 2022, as palliatives, to ameliorate the pressing economic situation in the country. The remaining sum of N145,836,000 will be distributed to all qualified members as ‘specifics distribution’.

“I want to assure members of COSON and our international partners that the period of the locust is almost at an end and that with the approval of the members, COSON will today, fully resume the distribution of royalties and benefits to our members and affiliates everywhere. God willing, before you leave here today, your phones will begin to receive the alerts,” Okoroji said.

During the meeting, four members of COSON board whose tenure expired at the AGM were re-elected. They are Sir Shina Peters, Ms Kenny Saint-Brown, Sharon Esco Wilson and Chief Uche Paul.