Nigeria Launches Strategic Initiative to Combat Online Copyright Piracy
On May 13, 2025, key players from Nigeria’s creative industries came together at the Bank of Industry Tower in Abuja to officially launch a project supported by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This initiative is designed to address the issue of online copyright piracy and protect the interests of creators in the country.
The project, implemented in collaboration with the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria’s booming entertainment sector, particularly Nollywood, which has faced increasing financial losses due to the widespread unauthorised distribution of content across digital platforms.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Desmond Utomwen, Publicity Secretary (FCT) of the Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria, emphasised that curbing digital piracy is essential to securing the future of creatives in the country. “By identifying technical and legal gaps and providing effective tools to disrupt online piracy, we are laying the groundwork for a stronger, more protected creative economy,” he stated.
Nigeria’s vibrant entertainment industry, particularly its film sector, is facing growing concerns over digital piracy. Industry leaders and stakeholders recognize that safeguarding intellectual property rights is critical to ensuring a sustainable future for creatives.
Digital piracy has long plagued Nigeria’s movie industry, popularly known as Nollywood. Unauthorized distribution of films, music, and other creative works significantly diminishes revenue streams for producers, artists, and content creators. With the rapid growth of digital platforms, the challenge of piracy has evolved, making it increasingly difficult for creators to maintain control over their intellectual property. This widespread issue threatens not only financial stability but also the industry’s ability to expand, innovate, and compete globally.
The project seeks to develop robust strategies to address the challenges posed by digital piracy, including creating mechanisms for copyright enforcement, strengthening legal protections, and enhancing public awareness about the importance of intellectual property rights.
With Nigeria’s creative sector contributing significantly to the nation’s economy, industry stakeholders are optimistic that this initiative will serve as a turning point in combating piracy and ensuring that artists, filmmakers, and other content creators receive fair compensation for their work.
Nigeria is strengthening copyright protections and promoting collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, and international partners. This approach positions Nigeria as a leader in the fight against digital piracy and helps ensure that its creative industries continue to thrive in a rapidly changing global digital landscape.