PMAN leaders demand urgent government action as Abuja music union pushes bold secretariat plan in FCT

There’s a growing conversation within Abuja’s creative circles, and it’s coming straight from the city’s musicians.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria is calling for something many might take for granted — a proper base of operations.

At a press briefing in Abuja, Acting Governor Michael Oyibo made it clear: without a functioning secretariat, the association’s ability to organise, train, and support its members has been seriously limited.

For a city that prides itself on culture and entertainment, that’s a gap that’s becoming harder to ignore.

Why a Secretariat Matters More Than It Sounds

It’s easy to think of an office as just a building.

But for PMAN, this proposed secretariat is envisioned as much more — a nerve centre for everything from training programs to welfare support.

Oyibo didn’t mince words when appealing to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

His argument was simple: a union without a physical base lacks direction.

Beyond administration, the facility would double as a training hub, offering young creatives access to resources that are currently out of reach.

This kind of infrastructure has worked in other parts of Nigeria.

In cities like Lagos, where informal creative clusters often evolve into structured ecosystems, physical hubs have played a major role in talent development and industry growth.

The Missing Piece: Skilled Instrumentalists

One of the more surprising revelations from the briefing was the imbalance in Abuja’s music talent pool.

According to Oyibo, nearly every aspiring artist at a recent audition showed up as a singer.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing — Nigeria is globally known for its vocal stars — but it exposes a deeper issue.

There’s a shortage of instrumentalists: keyboard players, saxophonists, drummers, and live band professionals.

To tackle this, PMAN is rolling out an ambitious plan to train and empower 3,000 young people across the FCT.

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The initiative will focus on practical skills like live performance, music production, and the business side of entertainment — areas often overlooked in the rush to become the next big star.

Taking a Stand on Musicians’ Welfare

Beyond training, there’s another battle brewing — one around fairness and respect.

Oyibo highlighted a long-standing issue in the industry: underpayment and exploitation.

Musicians, especially those performing in hotels, lounges, and private events, are often paid far below their value.

PMAN now wants to change that narrative by introducing minimum pay standards and actively engaging event organisers.

The association is even considering enforcement mechanisms, including a task force to ensure compliance.

The message is clear — professionalism must go both ways.

If musicians are expected to deliver quality, they must also be treated and compensated accordingly.

Digital Shift for Global Visibility

Interestingly, PMAN isn’t just focused on physical infrastructure.

There’s also a digital angle to its plans.

The association is working on a new membership registration system and identification database aimed at giving Abuja-based musicians better global exposure.

In today’s industry, where discovery often happens online, this move could significantly boost visibility for local talent.

Nigeria’s music industry — driven by global Afrobeats success — has shown how digital platforms can elevate artists from local stages to international arenas.

Abuja’s musicians may soon have a better shot at that spotlight.

Impact and Consequences

If these plans materialise, the ripple effects could be significant.

A functional secretariat would likely improve coordination within the union, making it easier to organise events, training sessions, and welfare initiatives.

The youth empowerment program could also help close skill gaps, especially in live music performance — an area that remains underdeveloped despite Nigeria’s booming music exports.

On the flip side, enforcing pay standards might create friction with event organisers, at least initially.

But in the long run, it could lead to a more structured and respected industry.

What’s Next?

All eyes are now on the response from the FCT administration.

Support from Minister Wike could fast-track the establishment of the secretariat and give PMAN the backing it needs to execute its plans.

In the meantime, the association is focusing on internal restructuring, including improving its digital systems and strengthening member engagement.

The postponed congress is expected to be rescheduled with broader participation.

Summary

PMAN’s FCT chapter is pushing for more than just an office — it’s advocating for structure, fairness, and growth within Abuja’s music industry.

From training thousands of youths to addressing welfare concerns, the association is positioning itself as a key driver of creative development in the capital.

Bulleted Takeaways

• PMAN FCT is seeking government support to establish a functional secretariat in Abuja
• The proposed facility will serve as both an administrative base and training hub
• A plan is underway to train 3,000 youths in music and entertainment skills
• There is a noticeable shortage of instrumentalists in Abuja’s music scene
• The association is moving to tackle underpayment and exploitation of musicians
• A digital membership system is being introduced to boost global visibility
• Collaboration with stakeholders will be key to implementing these changes