MultiChoice Nigeria Mobilizes Stakeholders in Fight Against Piracy

On March 14, 2024, MultiChoice Nigeria organized a significant event in Lagos aimed at combatting piracy and safeguarding the country’s creative economy. The “Walk Against Piracy,” which commenced at the Ikeja City Mall, attracted a diverse group of participants, including Nollywood actors, filmmakers, directors, media personalities, regulators, students, and members of the public. This initiative is part of a broader national advocacy campaign designed to address the growing threat of content theft in Nigeria.

Participants marched through the Ikeja area, distributing informational flyers and engaging passers-by in discussions about the dangers of piracy. The event sought to educate the public on the detrimental effects of piracy on livelihoods and the creative industry. Veteran actor Saidi Balogun was among the leading voices, expressing concern over the impact of piracy. He referred to it as “a silent killer draining the lifeblood of the creative industry.” Balogun emphasized the hard work and dedication behind film production, stating, “When you pirate a movie, you are killing someone’s dream, someone’s job, and the future of an entire industry. It must stop.”

The threat of piracy is not just a concern for established professionals but also for the next generation of creatives. Screenwriter and producer Obi Emelonye warned that piracy represents an existential threat, stating, “If we do nothing, young creatives will inherit an economy with no structure, no revenue, and no incentive to create.” His comments highlight the urgency of addressing this issue for the sustainability of Nigeria’s creative sector.

From a regulatory standpoint, Charles Amudipe, Deputy Director of Operations at the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), underscored the legal ramifications of piracy. He stated, “Piracy is a criminal offence under Nigerian law, punishable by fines and imprisonment.” Amudipe also pointed out the personal risks associated with illegal downloads, warning that such actions could expose consumers to malware, identity theft, and financial fraud. “It is not worth the risk,” he added.

During the outreach, members of the public voiced concerns regarding the affordability of legal content. The MultiChoice team addressed these questions by promoting various cost-effective legal platforms available to consumers. They emphasized that entertainment can be enjoyed responsibly without resorting to illegal means.

MultiChoice Nigeria’s Executive Head of Corporate Affairs, Caroline Oghuma, explained that the walk aligns with the company’s long-standing commitment to consumer education. This initiative follows a recent school sensitization program at Kuramo Senior College, where students learned about the impact of piracy on creators and how they might inadvertently participate in it. “We want to catch them young, take this message into communities, and meet Nigerians where they are,” Oghuma stated. “Today’s walk is a reminder that protecting intellectual property is everyone’s responsibility. What we are fighting for is the survival of Nigeria’s creative future.”

The event also saw participation from various stakeholders, including members of the Intellectual Property Law Advocacy Network (IPLAN), lawyers, media executives, content creators, and fans of Nigerian entertainment. MultiChoice Nigeria reiterated its pledge to collaborate with regulators, industry bodies, and stakeholders to promote policies, education, and enforcement mechanisms that protect creative work and ensure that creators receive fair compensation for their contributions.

As the fight against piracy continues, the commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s vibrant creative sector remains critical. Through initiatives like the Walk Against Piracy, MultiChoice Nigeria aims to raise awareness and foster a culture of respect for intellectual property among consumers and creators alike.