Court Orders Airtel Nigeria to Pay ₦210 Million Over Unauthorized Use of Veno Mbanefo’s "Nigeria Go Survive"

In a landmark victory for intellectual property rights in Nigeria, a Federal High Court has ordered telecommunications giant Airtel Nigeria to pay ₦210 million in damages to veteran singer Veno Marioghae-Mbanefo. The judgment follows a legal battle over the unauthorized use of her iconic 1985 hit, "Nigeria Go Survive," in one of the company’s promotional campaigns.

The presiding judge ruled that Airtel’s use of the song without the singer’s express permission or a licensing agreement constituted a clear infringement of her copyright. The ₦210 million award includes general damages for the breach and aggravated damages for the unauthorized commercial exploitation of the intellectual property.

"Nigeria Go Survive," released during a period of economic hardship in the mid-1980s, became a national anthem of hope and resilience for Nigerians. Decades later, the song remains a significant cultural touchstone, which the court acknowledged in its ruling on the value of the work.

Veno Mbanefo’s legal team hailed the judgment as a win for all Nigerian creatives, stating that it sends a strong message to corporate organizations about the necessity of respecting artists' rights and following proper channels for music licensing. Airtel Nigeria has not yet issued a public statement on whether it intends to appeal the decision.

Is this ₦210 million judgment a fair compensation for a legendary song, or should the penalty be even higher to deter future copyright theft? Share your comments below!

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