The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) are joining forces to tackle the growing menace of digital piracy and unlicensed streaming platforms threatening Nigeria’s film industry.
The move was initiated when the Executive Director/CEO of NFVCB, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the NCC headquarters in Abuja.
He commended the Commission for its strides in regulating Nigeria’s communications sector but warned that the rise of unregulated digital platforms poses fresh dangers to the creative economy.
Dr. Husseini highlighted piracy on encrypted platforms such as Telegram as one of the most disturbing trends facing Nollywood.
According to him, the illegal distribution of films online not only robs filmmakers of their earnings but also discourages quality content production and poses national security risks.
He also raised concerns over some telecommunications companies allegedly operating streaming services without securing the necessary exhibition and distribution licenses from the NFVCB.
Such practices, he said, expose Nigerians to unclassified and unregulated content, with potential cultural and security implications.
To address these challenges, the NFVCB boss urged the NCC to collaborate closely with both the NFVCB and the Nigerian Copyright Commission in fighting piracy.
He also proposed the creation of a joint technical committee to harmonize regulatory oversight of digital content.
“We must act fast to safeguard the creative industry. Protecting Nigerian films is not just about entertainment; it is about protecting our culture and our economy,” Dr. Husseini stressed.
In response, NCC’s Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Barr. Rimini Makama, who represented the Executive Vice Chairman, assured the NFVCB of the Commission’s full support.
Makama revealed that both agencies would soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enable quick interventions when infractions occur.
She also disclosed that the NCC would investigate reports of unlicensed streaming by telecom operators and piracy activities on Telegram, describing the latter as “a form of cybercrime.”
She further pointed to NCC’s Child Online Protection framework, which could also be aligned with NFVCB’s mandate to safeguard viewers from harmful or unclassified content.
Nigeria’s film industry, widely celebrated as Nollywood, is one of the country’s leading cultural and economic exports.
With the industry estimated to contribute billions annually to GDP, stakeholders say piracy remains its biggest threat.
Dr. Husseini concluded that the partnership between NFVCB and NCC will help ensure a safer digital ecosystem and a fair marketplace for Nigeria’s creative talents.
Written by Chioma Ezike