Audu Maikori Laments Poor Music Distribution In Nigeria

Audu Maikori laments poor music distribution in Nigeria

Nigerian lawyer and creative industry expert Audu Maikori has raised fresh concerns about the ongoing challenges facing the distribution of music, products and services across Nigeria’s entertainment sector. Maikori, co‑founder and former CEO of the Chocolate City Group one of Africa’s most influential music and media companies spoke candidly about the hurdles that creators and businesses encounter in getting their work to consumers efficiently. In a recent appearance on The Afropolitan Podcast, Maikori highlighted how the lack of effective distribution systems in Nigeria hinders both artists and entrepreneurs. “We can’t get products to people. We can’t get music to people. The platforms we’re talking about is distribution. We don’t own it. We don’t have it,” he said, emphasising that while consumers in markets such as Los Angeles can easily order goods and content online, the situation in Nigeria remains fragmented. He illustrated the problem with a personal example involving a local hat vendor whose lack of business structure and customer service resulted in a lost sale a metaphor, Maikori suggested, for wider systemic issues that impede commerce. Maikori also questioned how well current systems connect creators with audiences, particularly in areas like live events. “Who’s fixing, getting the product to the people How do I sell tickets for a concert without you coming there and knowing that when you get there, there’s a scanner that will allow you to walk into the space seamlessly?” he asked, pointing to basic infrastructure gaps that undermine consumer confidence. The Creative economy in Nigeria bolstered by global Afrobeats success and digital growth still suffers from structural limitations, including piracy, limited access to digital services and inefficient royalty collection systems. These challenges persist even though Nigerian music continues to make global waves. Maikori used the platform to advocate for comprehensive reforms to Nigeria’s intellectual property (IP) regime, arguing that stronger policies would better harness the creative sector’s economic potential. “Intellectual property is closely linked to GDP growth, but in Nigeria, we have not been able to harness the IP regime,” he said, stressing the need for clearer policies and stronger frameworks that would allow multinational platforms and creators to reinvest value into the local ecosystem. He also suggested the establishment of “centres of excellence” and frameworks to ensure that revenues generated from Nigerian creative content help grow the industry domestically. espite challenges, Nigeria’s music industry continues to expand through local and international distribution platforms. Companies such as MAD Solutions connect Nigerian artists with global streaming services like Spotify and Boomplay, illustrating growth opportunities even amid structural setbacks. Music distribution platforms such as MyMusic.com.ng also operate to provide local digital access, but industry professionals say broader, more efficient distribution networks are needed to fully capitalise on the global appeal of Nigerian music.