Sanwo-Olu and DG NCC rally stakeholders against piracy at AMVCA 2026

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for a united and uncompromising fight against piracy in Africa’s entertainment industry, warning that intellectual property theft could undermine earnings recorded in the creative sector.

The Governor made the call at the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards held in Lagos, where he addressed filmmakers, actors, producers, filmmakers and other creative professionals.

Sanwo-Olu said the remarkable achievements of the African entertainment industry would be for naught if creators were denied the full economic benefits of their work due to piracy and copyright violations.

“All the great work you are doing will be for nothing if we let piracy take advantage of all this,” he said.

The governor acknowledged the growing global influence of African films, music and digital content, but lamented that piracy continues to drain revenue, discourage investment and threaten the long-term sustainability of the creative industry.

He highlighted that Africa’s creative industry is driven by immense talent, creativity and intellectual capacity, adding that such gifts must translate into significant economic prosperity for the creators and practitioners of the sector.

“We must kill piracy in any shape or form because we want all of you to be economically healthy and enjoy the full economic benefit of your sweat,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, the Director General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission reiterated the need for stronger collective action against piracy and abuse of copyright.

Presenting the award for Best Unscripted M-Net Original, the NCC chief noted that piracy poses a serious threat to the creativity and livelihoods of professionals whose talent brings stories to life.

He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to protecting creators and creative businesses, underlining that the strongest defense against piracy remains a shared culture of respect for copyrighted works.

The Director General, therefore, urged stakeholders in the entertainment industry to unite in rejecting all forms of piracy and copyright infringement.

According to a press release signed by Ijeoma Egbunike for the Director General, the strong anti-piracy messages disseminated at the AMVCA reflect the growing recognition that copyright protection is critical to the sustainability, growth and economic future of Africa’s creative industries.