The United States is seeking deeper commercial engagement with Nigeria’s fast-growing music industry, with intellectual property (IP) protection emerging as a critical condition for attracting investment, expanding revenues and scaling Nigerian music businesses into international markets.
The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos convened more than 120 policymakers, intellectual property lawyers, music executives, artists, producers, distributors and other creative-industry stakeholders for a three-day workshop focused on strengthening the legal and commercial foundations of Nigeria’s music economy.
The workshop, titled “IP for Growth in Africa: Lagos Music Industry Workshop,” brought together Nigerian and American industry participants to examine how stronger copyright protection, effective royalty systems, licensing, contracts and enforcement could unlock greater commercial value from the country’s music industry.
Brandon Hudspeth, U.S. consul general in Lagos, said the growing relationship between American music companies and Nigerian artists represented an important trade and investment opportunity.
“The United States sees Nigeria’s music industry not only as a powerful cultural force, but as a significant trade and investment opportunity,” Hudspeth said.
He noted that American record labels including Universal Music Group, EMPIRE, Sony and Warner Music Group, alongside platforms such as YouTube, Meta and Apple Music, have contributed to expanding the international reach of Nigerian artists while creating revenue and employment opportunities.
As Afrobeats reaches larger global audiences, Hudspeth said more American companies were expected to pursue partnerships with Nigerian artists, labels, publishers, platforms and other creative businesses.
The discussions centered on the argument that…
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