The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has begun discussions with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to address the rising challenge of digital piracy and the proliferation of unlicensed streaming platforms in the country.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the NCC headquarters in Abuja, the Executive Director/CEO of NFVCB, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, commended the Commission for its regulatory milestones but stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the two agencies.
“One of the most disturbing trends today is the piracy of Nigerian films on encrypted platforms such as Telegram. This criminal activity robs our stakeholders of their earnings, discourages quality content creation, and undermines national security,” Dr. Husseini said.
He expressed concern that some telecommunications operators were offering streaming services without securing the mandatory licenses for the exhibition and distribution of films from the NFVCB. According to him, this exposes Nigerians to unclassified and unregulated content with potential cultural and security implications.
Dr. Husseini urged the NCC to collaborate with both the NFVCB and the Nigerian Copyright Commission to combat piracy on encrypted platforms. He also called on the NCC to require telecom operators to obtain NFVCB distribution and exhibition licenses before offering streaming services. He further proposed the creation of a joint technical committee to harmonise regulatory oversight.
Responding on behalf of the NCC, the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Barr. Rimini Makama representing the Executive Vice Chairman welcomed the NFVCB delegation and assured them of the Commission’s commitment to partnership. She disclosed that both agencies would soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to fast-track interventions when infractions occur.
Makama highlighted NCC’s existing framework for Child Online Protection and pledged to investigate reports of unlicensed streaming services by telecom operators and the piracy of films on Telegram, describing the latter as “a form of cybercrime.”
Reaffirming the NFVCB’s commitment to safeguarding the creative industry, Dr. Husseini added: “Protecting it is in our collective national interest.”
He noted that the partnership between NFVCB and NCC would help secure Nigeria’s creative economy, ensure a safer digital ecosystem, and promote a fair marketplace for creative talents.
