The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a partnership with the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to address the increasing menace of digital piracy and the operation of unlicensed streaming platforms in Nigeria. NCC recently revealed that despite NFVCB regulating films and video works via censorship, classification, and licensing, the fast expansion of digital platforms poses new threats to Nigeria’s creative economy.
In a press statement, NCC revealed that the Executive Director and CEO of NFVCB, Shaibu Husseini, emphasised the urgent need for stronger collaboration between the two agencies during a courtesy visit to the NCC headquarters in Abuja.
According to him, the piracy of Nollywood movies on Telegram has been robbing creatives of their deserved earnings, hence why the issue must be quickly addressed.
Stressing the need for a lasting solution, he stated that the criminal practice goes a long way towards discouraging content creation.
“One of the most disturbing trends today is the piracy of Nigerian films on encrypted platforms such as Telegram. This criminal activity robs our stakeholders of their earnings, discourages quality content creation, and undermines national security,” he said.
The NFVCB CEO also reiterated that such practices expose Nigerians to unclassified and unregulated content, which poses cultural and security risks.
To address these piracy problems, Mr Husseini urged the NCC to partner effectively with the Nigerian Copyright Commission and the NFVCB to combat piracy on encrypted platforms.
“Protecting it is in our national interest,” he continued, adding that the NFVCB-NCC partnership would guarantee a more secure digital ecosystem and a fair marketplace for creative talents.
Reacting on behalf of the NCC, the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, who represented the NCC Executive Vice Chairman, assured the NFVCB of NCC’s commitment to the collaboration.
She disclosed that both agencies are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to fast-track interventions when breaches happen.
Ms Rimini concluded by vowing to investigate reports of unlicensed streaming by Telecommunications companies and piracy on Telegram, describing the act as a form of cybercrime.
