Event
Nigeria launches WIPO-backed project to combat online piracy
Stakeholders from Nigeria’s creative industry have launched a WIPO-supported project to develop strategies and tools to tackle online copyright piracy in the African digital market.
Stakeholders from Nigeria’s creative industry have launched a WIPO-supported project to develop strategies and tools to tackle online copyright piracy in the African digital market
Stakeholders across Nigeria’s creative industry converged at the Bank of Industry Tower in Abuja on Tuesday for the official kick-off meeting of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)-supported project to develop strategies and tools to tackle online copyright piracy in the African digital market.
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Nigeria is one of only four African countries selected for this flagship initiative, which is aimed at strengthening legislative frameworks, building enforcement capacity, and raising public awareness around digital copyright infringement.
The project, implemented in collaboration with the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), comes at a critical time when Nigeria’s thriving creative industries, particularly Nollywood, face mounting losses due to the proliferation of pirated content across digital platforms, DESMOND UTOMWEN, the Publicity Secretary (FCT) Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria said in a statement.
In his welcome address, Director-General of the NCC, Dr. John O. Asein, described the initiative as a strategic intervention that will reposition Nigeria’s copyright ecosystem in the digital age.
He noted that by identifying technical and legal gaps and providing tools to disrupt online piracy, “we are safeguarding the future of the creatives.”
Speaking at the event, Dr. Oluwatobiloba Moody, Director of the WIPO Nigeria Office, emphasised WIPO’s commitment to protecting intellectual property as a key driver of innovation and economic development.
For years, our industry has suffered economic losses, reputational damage, and creative fatigue due to online piracy. This project will equip producers with the legal backing, technical tools, and enforcement partnerships needed to finally push back
He added that the project reflects WIPO’s deepening collaboration with African countries and shared determination to defend the rights of creators in the digital space.
Representing the Nigerian film industry, National President of the Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria, (AMP), Amb Dr. Queen Blessing Ebigieson, praised the initiative as a turning point for Nollywood producers who have long borne the brunt of digital piracy.
“For years, our industry has suffered economic losses, reputational damage, and creative fatigue due to online piracy. This project will equip producers with the legal backing, technical tools, and enforcement partnerships needed to finally push back,” Dr. Ebigieson said.
Dr. Ebigieson also highlighted the importance of sustained advocacy and industry collaboration. “We must ensure that the awareness materials and capacity-building components of this project reach grassroots filmmakers and digital content creators, not just major studios. The strength of Nollywood lies in its diversity and reach.”
The project overview was presented by Dr. Tobias Bednarz of WIPO, while the current state of online copyright infringement in Nigeria was examined by Michael Akpan, an IP expert and the project’s National Consultant.
International Consultant Dr. Ioannis Kikkis also led a session on enforcement mechanisms in the digital environment.
With robust participation from law enforcement agencies, telecommunications firms, legal experts, and creative industry associations, the initiative promises a whole-of-sector response to the menace of online piracy.
The Executive Governor of Zamfara State Dr Dauda Lawal has received the Outstanding Governor Award from the Daily Times in the North–West region during its centenary anniversary in Abuja.
The governor accepted the award today at the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards, organised by Nigeria’s oldest newspaper to commemorate its 100th anniversary.
Governor Lawal was recognised for his leadership, public service, and contribution to national development.
The award was part of activities celebrating the centenary of the newspaper, which was first published in 1926 and has chronicled Nigeria’s political, economic, social, and cultural progress over the past century.
Chairman of the DTN@100 Heroes Awards Council, Bolaji Okusaga, stated that Governor Lawal was chosen because he received the highest nominations in the North-West.
“Following an extensive nomination and public voting process, you received the highest number of votes in this award category.
“The Times Heroes Award Council and other key stakeholders subsequently confirmed your selection in recognition of your leadership, public service, and contribution to national development,” Mr. Okusaga said.
Governor Lawal expressed his gratitude to the Board, Management, and Organising Committee of the Daily Times Nigeria @100 Celebration, the Times Heroes Award Council, and all Nigerians who supported his nomination.
He stated that the honour reflects his commitment to promoting good governance and effective public service in Zamfara State.
Other notable Nigerians honoured include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; and former President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina.
The newspaper announced that recipients of the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards will be featured among the most outstanding individuals and institutions in the 700-page Nigerian Grand Book.
“This publication will serve as a national commemorative volume and a lasting record of the people, institutions, and achievements shaping Nigeria’s development.”
The foreword of the Nigerian Grand Book has been written by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Group Chief Executive of Oando Plc, Jubril Adewale Tinubu, has congratulated Vice President Kashim Shettima on his 60th birthday, describing him as a distinguished public servant whose career has been defined by integrity, resilience and commitment to national service.
Tinubu, in a goodwill message issued on Wednesday, commended Shettima for his contributions to Nigeria’s development and his years of service in both the public and private sectors.
He said public service at the highest level requires sound judgment, resilience and the ability to remain focused amid the challenges associated with leadership.
“Happy 60th birthday, Your Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON.
“Public service at the highest levels in Nigeria is not a path for those in search of comfort. It demands sound judgement, resilience through challenging seasons, and the consistency to remain focused on the responsibility at hand,” Tinubu stated.
Reflecting on Shettima’s career, the Oando chief executive noted that the Vice President’s journey from banking to public administration had been marked by service and perseverance.
He particularly referenced Shettima’s tenure as governor of Borno State, describing his leadership of the state during difficult years as an important phase of his public career.
“From a distinguished career in banking to leading Borno through some of the toughest years in its history, and now as Vice President of our country, yours has been a journey marked by service, excellence and perseverance,” he said.
Tinubu also prayed for the Vice President as he begins his seventh decade, wishing him good health, wisdom and strength to continue serving the country.
“On this day and ever more, may Allah grant you good health, wisdom, strength, and joy in the company of those you hold dear.
“I wish you every blessing and fulfilment in your service to our great nation and its people,” he added.
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