The United States has called for stronger intellectual property protection in Nigeria’s growing music industry to boost investment and unlock the creative sector’s economic value.

U.S. Consul General Brandon Hudspeth emphasised that stronger IP protection and enforcement are crucial to attracting U.S. investors to Nigeria’s music industry.

Mr Hudspeth made the remarks at a three-day workshop titled “IP for Growth in Africa: Lagos Music Industry Workshop” last week, which focused on how stronger IP protection can strengthen U.S.-Nigeria economic ties in the music industry.

“For Nigeria, strong IP protection gives U.S. investors greater confidence, gives creators greater control over their work, and creates the conditions for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic to invest, partner, and grow,” Mr Hudspeth said.

He noted the rapid growth of Nigeria’s music industry and how Afrobeats, which primarily developed in Nigeria, has gained global acceptance.

Mr Hudspeth also highlighted collaborations between Nigerian and American music companies, saying they have helped Nigerian artistes reach global audiences, increase revenue, and attract investment.

He identified U.S. record labels, including Universal Music Group, EMPIRE, Sony, and Warner Music Group, as well as YouTube, Meta, and Apple Music, as helping artistes earn recognition worldwide.

He said, “The United States sees Nigeria’s music industry not only as a powerful cultural force, but as a significant trade and investment opportunity.

“As Afrobeats reaches more listeners around the world, we will continue to see more American music companies work with more Nigerian artists, labels, publishers, platforms, and other creative businesses.”

Mr Hudspeth reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to supporting initiatives that promote a sustainable music business and strengthen IP protection and enforcement.

The event, organised in partnership with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the U.S. Mission in Geneva, and Nigerian alumni of the American Music Mentorship Program (AMMP), brought together more than 120 policymakers, artistes, music executives, and other industry stakeholders.

Discussions at the event focused on copyright ownership, royalty systems, IP enforcement, licensing, contracts, music monetisation, streaming, publishing and international market access.