**"Music to Silence: PMAN Sounds Alarm on Copyright Levy Hijack"** In the vibrant music industry of Nigeria, the harmony between creators and stakeholders is crucial for growth. However, a discordant note has been struck by the Performing Musicians Employers' Association of Nigeria (PMAN), the umbrella body of Nigerian musicians. The group has sounded a warning on a potentially deadly development that could stifle the music industry's progress – the "hijack" of the copyright levy process. At the heart of this controversy is the system for collecting and disbursing royalties from music played on public platforms. The copyright levy is a vital lifeline for musicians, providing them with a source of income from their creative work. But PMAN has cried foul, alleging that the process has been hijacked by interests that seek to silence creators and line their pockets with the royalties meant for them. The petition to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice is a call to action, urging the government to prevent an "institutional ambush" that threatens the very existence of the music industry. PMAN's concerns are not unfounded, given the industry's significant economic contributions to the nation. In a country where music is a major export, the creative sector deserves protection and support, not exploitation. The implications of this hijack are far-reaching, affecting not just musicians but also the wider creative economy. If the system is allowed to be manipulated, it could lead to a decline in music production, a loss of jobs, and a decrease in the country's cultural exports. PMAN's petition is a clarion call to Nigerians to take notice of this issue and demand that their rights be upheld. The music industry is a reflection of Nigeria's rich cultural heritage, and its growth is essential for the country's economic development. By supporting the rights of creators, we are, in effect, investing in the nation's future. PMAN's efforts should serve as a wake-up call to all stakeholders involved – the government, music industry players, and the general public – to rally behind the music industry and ensure that its progress is not stifled by self-interest. Ultimately, the fate of the music industry hangs in the balance. Will we allow the hijack of the copyright levy process to silence the voices of Nigerian musicians, or will we stand up for their rights and preserve the rich cultural heritage that makes our nation unique? The choice is ours.