Stakeholders from across Nigeria’s creative industry converged at the Bank of Industry Tower in Abuja today for the official kick-off 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.
According to a press release on Tuesday, 13th May, 2025, signed by the Publicity Secretary (FCT), Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria, Desmond Utomwen, Nigeria is one of only four African countries selected for this flagship initiative, which is aimed at strengthening legislative frameworks, building enforcement capacity, and raising public awareness around digital copyright infringement.
The project, implemented in collaboration with the Nigerian Copyright Commission (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.
In his welcome address, Director-General of the NCC, Dr. John O. Asein, described the initiative as a strategic intervention that will reposition Nigeria’s copyright ecosystem in the digital age. He noted that by identifying technical and legal gaps and providing tools to disrupt online piracy, we are safeguarding the future of the creatives.
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 reflects WIPO’s deepening collaboration with African countries and shared determination to defend the rights of creators in the digital space.
Representing the Nigerian film industry, National President of the Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria (AMP), Amb Dr. Queen Blessing Ebigieson, praised the initiative as a turning point for Nollywood producers who have 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,” Dr. Ebigieson said.
Dr. Ebigieson 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.”
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. International Consultant Dr. Ioannis Kikkis also led a session on enforcement mechanisms in the digital environment.
With robust participation from law enforcement agencies, telecommunications firms, legal experts, and creative industry associations, the initiative promises a whole-of-sector response to the menace of online piracy.
The effort marks the beginning of a new chapter where digital innovation is matched by strong IP protection, where the Nigerian creative economy will thrive when creators can earn the full value of their work.
