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The Federal Capital Territory chapter of the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria has unveiled plans to train and empower 3,000 youths in Abuja, as part of efforts to address skill gaps and reposition the territory’s music industry.
The Acting Governor of PMAN FCT Chapter, Mr Michael Oyibo, disclosed this on Friday during a news conference in Abuja, where he also appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to support the establishment of a functional secretariat for the association.
Oyibo said the proposed training initiative would focus on instrumental performance, live band professionalism, music business, and production, noting that the programme was designed to bridge the growing shortage of skilled instrumentalists in the capital’s music scene.
He expressed concern that recent auditions revealed a heavy imbalance, with almost all participants identifying as singers, while there was a significant lack of trained keyboardists, saxophonists, and other instrumental performers.
According to him, the association intends to collaborate with music academies and private investors to deliver structured training that would equip young people with practical and marketable skills.
He said the broader objective was to position Abuja as a leading hub for live music excellence in Nigeria, adding that the initiative would also create employment opportunities and strengthen the creative economy in the territory.
Oyibo further noted that the absence of a permanent secretariat had continued to hinder the association’s administrative efficiency and capacity to deliver impactful programmes.
He explained that a functional office would serve not only as the administrative headquarters of PMAN in the FCT but also as a training centre where young talents could be nurtured and supported.
“A union without a base is a union without direction. We respectfully call on the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to support this vision,” he said.
On members’ welfare, Oyibo decried what he described as widespread underpayment and exploitation of musicians, particularly by event organisers and hospitality businesses.
He said the association would engage stakeholders across the entertainment value chain to introduce minimum performance pay benchmarks and enforce professional standards.
“The time of musicians begging or being disrespected is over. We will negotiate with stakeholders to ensure no artist is underpaid,” he said.
He added that a task force would be deployed to monitor compliance among show promoters and event planners, ensuring that industry regulations were adhered to.
Oyibo also disclosed that the chapter was prioritising digital transformation through the introduction of a new membership registration system and identification database aimed at improving visibility for Abuja-based musicians on a global scale.
He urged members to remain united and committed to the association’s growth, while announcing the postponement of the previously scheduled congress to allow for wider consultations and better planning.
