MultiChoice Nigeria Mobilizes Industry to Combat Content Piracy

The fight against content piracy intensified on March 14, 2024, as MultiChoice Nigeria orchestrated a significant Walk Against Piracy. The event began at the Ikeja City Mall in Lagos, uniting a diverse group of stakeholders, including Nollywood actors, filmmakers, directors, writers, media personalities, and members of the public. This initiative is part of a broader national advocacy campaign aimed at shielding Nigeria’s creative economy from the increasing threat posed by piracy.

Participants marched through the Ikeja area, distributing informational flyers and engaging with passers-by. They focused on educating the public about the detrimental effects of piracy on the livelihoods of creators. Veteran actor Saidi Balogun was a prominent voice during the walk. He described piracy as “a silent killer draining the lifeblood of the creative industry.” Balogun emphasized, “When you pirate a movie, you are killing someone’s dream, someone’s job, and the future of an entire industry. It must stop.”

Screenwriter and producer Obi Emelonye echoed these sentiments, warning that piracy threatens the future of aspiring creatives. He stated, “Piracy is a menace eating deeply into the industry. If we do nothing, young creatives coming behind us will inherit an economy with no structure, no revenue, and no incentive to create. We cannot allow that future.”

The regulatory perspective was provided by Charles Amudipe, Deputy Director of Operations at the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC). He highlighted the legal implications of piracy, noting, “Piracy is a criminal offence under Nigerian law, punishable by fines and imprisonment.” Amudipe also cautioned that consumers who download illegal content risk exposure to malware, identity theft, and financial fraud, reinforcing that “it is not worth the risk.”

During the outreach, members of the public raised concerns regarding the affordability of legal content alternatives. The MultiChoice team addressed these questions by highlighting various accessible, cost-effective platforms that allow consumers to enjoy entertainment responsibly.

Caroline Oghuma, Executive Head of Corporate Affairs at MultiChoice Nigeria, explained that this walk was a continuation of the company’s long-standing commitment to consumer education. Last month, MultiChoice led a sensitization program at Kuramo Senior College in Victoria Island, where students learned about the implications of piracy and how they might unknowingly contribute to it. Oghuma stated, “We want to catch them young, take this message into communities, and meet Nigerians where they are. 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 was supported by numerous stakeholders, including members of the Intellectual Property Law Advocacy Network (IPLAN), lawyers, media executives, content creators, and fans of Nigerian entertainment. MultiChoice Nigeria reaffirmed its dedication to collaborating 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 labor.

This concerted effort highlights the urgent need to address the issue of piracy in Nigeria, ensuring that the country’s vibrant creative sector can thrive in a secure and supportive environment.