Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, John Asein, have called for stronger collective action against piracy in Africa’s entertainment industry.
The duo warned that the achievements of the creative sector could be undermined if intellectual property theft continues unchecked.
Their remarks came during the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 2026 held in Lagos State.
The renewed anti-piracy campaign also follows the recent approval by the Federal Executive Council of the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy aimed at strengthening intellectual property protection as a driver of innovation, youth empowerment, and sustainable wealth creation.
Speaking at the event attended by filmmakers, actors, producers, directors, and other creative professionals, Sanwo-Olu stressed that artistic brilliance would lose value if creators were denied the financial rewards of their work through piracy.
“All of the great work you’re all doing will amount to nothing if we let piracy take the shine out of all of this,” the governor said.
While acknowledging the growing international influence of African film, music, and digital content, Sanwo-Olu noted that piracy continues to drain industry revenue, discourage investment, and weaken the long-term sustainability of the creative sector.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs at the NCC, Ijeoma Egbunike, the governor described Africa’s creative industry as one driven by extraordinary talent and innovation that must translate into economic prosperity for creators.
“We need to kill piracy in whatever form, shape, because we want you all to be economically sound, to have the full benefit, full economic benefit, of your sweat,” he added.
Earlier at the ceremony, Asein reinforced the call for stronger action against piracy and copyright abuse while presenting the award for Best Unscripted M-Net Original.
He warned that piracy threatens creativity and the livelihoods of those whose talents contribute to storytelling and entertainment production.
The NCC Director-General reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to protecting creators and supporting creative enterprise across Africa.
According to him, the most effective defence against piracy remains a shared culture of respect for copyright and intellectual property rights.
Asein therefore urged all stakeholders within the creative ecosystem to reject every form of piracy and copyright infringement.
Industry observers noted that the strong anti-piracy messages delivered during the AMVCA reflect growing recognition of the importance of copyright protection to the future growth, sustainability, and economic success of Africa’s creative industries.
