Movie producers, WIPO, NCC collaborate to curb online copyright piracy
By Salif Atojoko
Dr John Asein, the Director-General, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), says it has become imperative to develop strategies and tools to tackle online copyright piracy in the country.
Asein said this in his opening remarks at a meeting of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)-supported project to develop strategies and tools to tackle online copyright piracy in the African digital market, on Tuesday in Abuja.
He described the initiative as a strategic intervention that would reposition Nigeria’s copyright ecosystem in the digital age, Mr Desmond Utomwen, Publicity Secretary, FCT, Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria, said in a statement.
Asein noted that identifying technical and legal gaps and providing tools to disrupt online piracy would safeguard the future of the creatives.
Stakeholders from across Nigeria’s creative industry converged in Abuja for the official kick-off meeting of the WIPO-supported project.
“Nigeria is one of only four African countries selected for the flagship initiative, aimed at strengthening legislative frameworks, building enforcement capacity, and raising public awareness around digital copyright infringement.
“The project, implemented in collaboration with the NCC, comes at a critical time when Nigeria’s thriving creative industries, particularly Nollywood, face mounting losses due to the proliferation of pirated content across digital platforms,” said the statement.
Speaking at the event, Dr Oluwatobiloba Moody, Director of the WIPO Nigeria Office, emphasised WIPO’s commitment to protecting intellectual property as a key driver of innovation and economic development.
He added that the project reflected WIPO’s deepening collaboration with African countries and shared determination to defend the rights of creators in the digital space.
Dr Queen Ebigieson, National President of the Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria (AMP), praised the initiative as a turning point for Nollywood producers who had long borne the brunt of digital piracy.
“For years, our industry has suffered economic losses, reputational damage, and creative fatigue due to online piracy.
“This project will equip producers with the legal backing, technical tools, and enforcement partnerships needed to finally push back,” Ebigieson said.
She also highlighted the importance of sustained advocacy and industry collaboration.
“We must ensure that the awareness materials and capacity-building components of this project reach grassroots filmmakers and digital content creators, not just major studios.
“The strength of Nollywood lies in its diversity and reach,” she stated.
The project overview was presented by Dr Tobias Bednarz of WIPO, while the current state of online copyright infringement in Nigeria was examined by Michael Akpan, an IP expert and the project’s National Consultant.
Dr Ioannis Kikkis, a consultant, also led a session on enforcement mechanisms in the digital environment. (NAN)
Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola
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