To ensure a transparent, fair, and legally sound leadership transition, the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN) has established strict guidelines for the upcoming 2026 General Council elections.
This guide serves as an essential compliance roadmap for every member who wishes to exercise their right to vote or stand for office.
Voter Eligibility: Who Can Cast a Ballot?
Participation in the election is a privilege reserved for members who have consistently supported the Society’s mission.
Register Cut-off: Only members whose names appear in the official Society’s register as of 31 December 2023 are eligible to participate.
- If you joined MCSN in 2024 or 2025, you cannot vote in this election
Good Standing: You must be a fully registered member with no outstanding disciplinary issues or unresolved disputes with the Society.
Candidate Eligibility: Who Can Be Nominated?
Candidates are categorized to ensure professional representation across the board. The requirements vary based on your membership class:
A. Writers, Composers, and Performers
Membership Tenure: Must have been a member for a minimum of two (2) years.
Catalog Requirement: Candidates must possess a significant and verifiable catalog of musical works registered with MCSN.
Genre Representation: We are specifically seeking leaders across Juju, Fuji, Gospel, Reggae, High Life, Hip Hop, and other contemporary genres.
B. Publishers and Record Labels
Membership Tenure: A minimum of one (1) year of active membership.
Exploitation Focus: Candidates must demonstrate active and successful exploitation of their music catalogs.
Financial Requirements: Nomination Fees
As part of the nomination process, the following non-refundable nomination fees apply:
Writers / Composers: ₦150,000
Publishers: ₦250,000
Payment of the appropriate fee is mandatory and does not guarantee election. It only validates the submission of a nomination for consideration.
Documentation & Constitutional Checklist
Before submitting your nomination, ensure you have the following ready:
The Directors’ Nomination Form: Fully completed and signed.
Dual Sponsorship: Every nomination must be endorsed by two (2) nominators who themselves have been members for at least two years.
Compliance with Article 35: All nominations must align with the Society’s Articles of Association.
Essential Election Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Nomination Deadline | Friday, 23 January 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Publication of Candidates | To be announced following verification |
| General Council (Board) Election | Wednesday, 18 March 2026 |
Become a Member of MCSN
Joining MCSN is the most important step toward earning performance royalties. Membership authorises MCSN to license, collect, and distribute royalties for your musical works and sound recordings.
Register Your Works
Once registered as a member, ensure that all compositions and recordings are properly submitted. Accurate work registration enables MCSN to track usage and distribute royalties correctly.
