The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) is initiating discussions with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to address the growing issue of digital piracy and the rise of unauthorised streaming platforms in Nigeria.
During a recent courtesy visit to the NCC headquarters in Abuja, Dr Shaibu Husseini, the Executive Director/CEO of NFVCB, praised the NCC for its significant achievements in regulating Nigeria’s communication sector. He emphasised the need for a stronger partnership between the two organisations to tackle these challenges.
In a statement issued by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Ogbonna Onwumere, Husseini highlighted that while the NFVCB oversees film and video works through censorship, classification, and licensing, the swift advancement of digital platforms has introduced new threats to the country’s creative economy.
“One of the most troubling trends is the piracy of Nigerian films on encrypted platforms like Telegram,” he stated, noting that this illegal activity deprives creators of their rightful earnings, hinders the production of quality content, and poses risks to national security.
Husseini also raised concerns about certain telecommunications operators offering streaming services without obtaining the licenses from the NFVCB for film distribution and exhibition. He pointed out that such actions expose the public to unregulated and unclassified content, which could have cultural and security implications.
To combat these issues, Husseini called on the NCC to collaborate with the Nigerian Copyright Commission and the NFVCB to combat piracy on encrypted platforms. He requested that the commission urge telecom operators to secure NFVCB licenses before streaming films and proposed the establishment of a joint technical committee to streamline regulatory oversight.
In her response, Barr. Rimini Makama, the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management at NCC, who represented the Executive Vice Chairman, welcomed the NFVCB delegation and assured them of the NCC’s dedication to collaboration. She announced that both agencies would soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate prompt action against regulatory violations.
Makama also provided insights into the NCC’s existing framework for Child Online Protection and promised to investigate reports of unlicensed streaming by telecom companies and piracy on Telegram, characterising the latter as a form of cybercrime.
Dr Husseini reiterated the importance of Nigeria’s film industry, not only as a cultural asset but also as a significant driver of the economy. “Safeguarding it is essential for our national interest,” he asserted, adding that the partnership between NFVCB and NCC is key to fostering a secure digital environment and a fair marketplace for creative talents.
