The Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board (the “Board”) issued a notice on 12 August 2020 stating that all audio and visual contents produced and sold within Lagos State will attract the payment of a 5% levy on each item.
The Board also stated that practitioners involved in the production, sale, distribution of audio and visual products are to register their products with the Board within 30 days from the date of the directive. The Executive Secretary of the Board stated that the exercise will assist the Lagos State Government in policy formulation with regard to planning and funding of the creative and entertainment sector. Practitioners will be required to register their products through the Board’s authorised agents.
The Executive Secretary also advised that stakeholders and practitioners adhere to the directive as violators of the registration will be sanctioned by the Board.
It is important to note that the levy has already generated concerns from content producers who are already affiliated with the Musical Society of Nigeria and the Performance Musicians Associations of Nigeria.
We expect to see more intentional engagement with the Lagos State Government by content producers.
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