The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has reported a decline in piracy in the country since the enforcement of the new Copyright Act 2022. According to the Director General of the NCC, Dr John Asein, the commission is currently assessing the level of piracy to determine the full impact of the Act on Nigeria’s creative industry. Although no empirical data is available yet, Asein confirmed that piracy has decreased. The NCC is using technology to block websites and platforms that illegally distribute copyrighted materials.
Piracy has serious effects on the creative industry, preventing creators from making enough money from their works and recovering their investments. Widespread piracy also discourages people from investing in content creation and makes it harder for Nigeria to attract foreign partners and investors. Asein stressed that Nigeria cannot allow piracy to weaken its internationally recognised film and music industries. The NCC is working to protect creative works and support sustainable growth in Nigeria’s creative industry.
The growing use of digital platforms has made copyright protection more important, as creative works can now be accessed and shared from almost anywhere in the world. Asein gave an example of a movie piracy website registered with a Nigerian “.ng” domain, although its operators were based in Asia. The NCC successfully shut down the Nigerian domain, forcing the operators to move the platform to the Philippines.
The NCC is using technology to block websites and platforms that illegally distribute copyrighted materials. The impact of the enforcement can be seen in complaints from some people who can no longer access free music and movies through illegal platforms. Some sectors have come to the NCC, complaining that where they used to get free music has been blocked.
Asein called for stronger protection of copyrighted works as more Nigerians use mobile devices to watch films and listen to music. Telecommunications companies are also introducing streaming services, making copyright protection important for both traditional and digital platforms. The NCC is working to ensure that stakeholders develop and follow measures that would protect creative works.
The NCC boss stressed that Nigeria cannot afford to see the actual players in the creative industry going beggarly just because pirates are taking over. He urged stakeholders to develop and follow measures that would protect creative works and support sustainable growth in Nigeria’s creative industry. An action plan from a recent seminar could help move the creative industry forward.
Greater commitment from stakeholders to protecting creative works will help the industry continue to grow. As Nigeria marked its 66th Independence anniversary, Asein emphasised the importance of protecting creative works. The NCC will continue to work to protect Nigeria’s creative industry and ensure that creators benefit from their works.
Key points
- The Nigerian Copyright Commission has reported a decline in piracy since enforcing the new Copyright Act 2022.
- The NCC is using technology to block websites and platforms that illegally distribute copyrighted materials.
- Stakeholders are urged to develop and follow measures to protect creative works and support sustainable growth in Nigeria’s creative industry.
