The Nigerian Copyright Commission NCC has raised fresh concern over the growing rate of piracy in the country, revealing that billions of naira are lost every year due to illegal distribution of creative works.
The commission warned that the impact of piracy is far more damaging than many Nigerians realise.
Speaking at an anti piracy awareness programme held at Kuramo Senior College in Victoria Island Lagos, NCC Director Lynda Alphaeus noted that piracy has continued to weaken the creative economy. She said “It not only affects the monetary value that would have gone to the creators it also affects the economy generally because those who would have been employed by those creators are not being employed.”
Alphaeus stressed that piracy is a major obstacle to job creation and development in the entertainment and creative industries. According to her, if children and teenagers are educated early on the dangers of piracy the battle against the illegal act would be easier to win. She added “When children have a change of mindset a part of the war is already won.”
Also speaking at the event, Executive Head of Corporate Affairs at MultiChoice Nigeria Caroline Oghuma said many Nigerians still do not understand the long term effects of piracy on the economy and on creators. She stressed that the sensitisation of young people is necessary. Oghuma noted “Piracy is not a victimless act and the fight against piracy must begin in classrooms. The future of Nollywood Nigerian music and other forms of creative expression lies in the hands of these young people.”
Industry experts say the losses incurred due to piracy are alarming with UNESCO studies quoted by the NCC indicating that Nigeria loses between 50 to 70 percent of film market revenue to piracy. The NCC believes that curbing the illicit act requires collaboration among government schools media and the general public.
The sensitisation programme is part of efforts to address the rising consumption of pirated content among young Nigerians particularly on social media and mobile platforms. The NCC urged students to support and promote original content to preserve the future of the creative industry.
