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.
Organisers of Real Talk With Kike have unveiled a high-profile lineup of speakers for the programme’s seventh anniversary celebration, which will also commemorate ace broadcaster Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati’s more than 20-year journey in the Nigerian media industry.
The milestone event will hold on October 10, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, bringing together leaders from government, business, media and culture for conversations on Nigeria’s future.
Leading the keynote sessions are Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, and Mr Vlassis Liakouris, Group Managing Director of Mandilas Group Limited.
Also confirmed as distinguished speakers are Mr Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Group, and Dr Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, Founder of Rise Network, while Mrs Bola Adesola, Chairman of the Board of Ecobank Nigeria, will deliver the goodwill message.
The speakers will engage the theme, “The Future of Nigeria: Where Leadership, Innovation, Culture and Media Converge to Shape Nation Building,” exploring how governance, enterprise, innovation and storytelling can shape national development.
According to the organisers, the theme reflects the philosophy that has defined Real Talk With Kike over the past seven years as a platform for meaningful conversations on leadership, society, business, relationships, culture and contemporary issues affecting Nigeria.
For Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati, the celebration marks two significant milestones. Beyond the programme’s seventh anniversary, it also celebrates more than two decades of broadcasting, making the occasion a tribute to longevity, impact and the power of dialogue.
The multidisciplinary speaker lineup mirrors the event’s nation-building focus. Hamzat is expected to share perspectives on public leadership and governance, while Adesina and Liakouris will discuss private-sector leadership, enterprise and innovation. Akerele-Ogunsiji will contribute insights on education, youth development and innovation, with Adesola bringing the perspective of corporate governance and financial-sector leadership.
The October gathering is expected to attract policymakers, business executives, media personalities, creatives and guests who have been part of the Real Talk With Kike journey since its inception, reinforcing its reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading platforms for thought-provoking conversations.
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