Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for a united front against piracy in Africa's entertainment industry, warning that intellectual property theft could erode progress in the creative sector. He made the appeal during his address at the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards in Lagos, where he spoke to filmmakers, actors, producers, directors, and other creatives. Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the achievements of African creatives would be undermined if piracy continues to deny them full economic benefits. "All of the great work you're all doing will amount to nothing if we let piracy take shine out of all of this," he said.
The governor highlighted the rising global influence of African film, music, and digital content, but noted that piracy drains revenue, discourages investment, and threatens the industry's long-term sustainability. He stressed that Africa's creative industry is built on talent and intellectual capacity, which should translate into economic prosperity for creators. "We need to kill piracy in whatever form or shape because we want you all to be economically sound and enjoy the full economic benefit of your sweat," Sanwo-Olu added.
Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission addressed the audience while presenting the award for Best Unscripted M-Net Original. He reiterated that piracy poses a serious threat to creativity and the livelihoods of professionals who bring stories to life. The NCC boss reaffirmed the commission's commitment to protecting creators and creative enterprise, stating that the strongest defence against piracy is a shared culture of respect for copyright. He urged all stakeholders in the entertainment industry to reject piracy and copyright infringement. A press release signed by Ijeoma Egbunike on behalf of the Director-General noted that the anti-piracy messages at AMVCA reflect growing recognition of copyright protection as vital to the growth and economic future of Africa's creative industries.
Sanwo-Olu demands an end to piracy while operating in a state where unlicensed outdoor concerts and pirated DVDs remain openly sold with little enforcement. The same creative economy he wants to protect is undermined daily by local authorities who collect levies from roadside vendors selling bootleg films. If piracy is truly a priority, then action must start with shutting down the open markets Lagos officials tacitly endorse. Rhetoric at award shows means little without targeting the enforcement gaps in plain sight.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
