Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Director General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Dr. John Asein, have jointly called for an uncompromising and collective war against piracy in Africa's entertainment industry. They warned that the remarkable progress of the creative sector could be undermined if intellectual property theft is allowed to persist.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently approved the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy, affirming the central role of intellectual property as a strategic driver of innovation, youth empowerment, and sustainable wealth creation.
Speaking at the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA) 2026 held in Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that creative excellence and artistic brilliance would be meaningless if creators are denied the full economic rewards of their labor. Addressing hundreds of filmmakers, actors, producers, directors, and other creative professionals, he warned: "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."
Acknowledging the growing global influence of African film, music, and digital content, the Governor lamented that piracy continues to drain 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 NCC, Mrs. Ijeoma Egbunike, the Governor further noted that Africa's creative industry is driven by extraordinary talent, creativity, and intellectual capacity, stressing that these gifts must translate into meaningful economic prosperity for creators and industry practitioners.
He stated: "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."
Earlier at the event, Dr. Asein reinforced the need for stronger collective action against piracy and copyright abuse. While presenting the award for Best Unscripted M-Net Original, he reminded the audience that piracy threatens creativity and the livelihoods of all whose talents bring stories to life. Reaffirming the NCC's commitment to protecting creators and creative enterprise, he emphasized that the strongest defense against piracy remains a shared culture of respect for copyright works. He urged all stakeholders to unite in saying no to all forms of piracy and copyright abuse.
The strong anti-piracy messages delivered during the AMVCA reflect the growing recognition that copyright protection is essential to the sustainability, growth, and economic future of Africa's creative industries.
