Copyright Commission steps up action against digital piracy, illegal streaming
The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has announced plans to deploy modern enforcement mechanisms to tackle illegal streaming, cable piracy, and unauthorised public exhibitions. The move came as Nigeria joins the
The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has announced plans to deploy modern enforcement mechanisms to tackle illegal streaming, cable piracy, and unauthorised public exhibitions.
The move came as Nigeria joins the global community in marking World Intellectual Property Day 2026, observed every April 26 to highlight the role of creativity and innovation in economic growth and cultural development.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “IP and Sports: Ready. Set. Innovate.”
Director-General of the NCC, John Asein, in his message, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to promoting respect for intellectual property, strengthening enforcement against infringement, and supporting policies that advance Nigeria’s creative and sports industries.
Asein noted that in a knowledge- and content-driven economy, intellectual property provides a pathway for wealth creation, job generation and national development.
He emphasised the need to empower young Nigerians to align their creativity with legal and economic frameworks that enable value realisation.
According to him, the commission has intensified efforts to combat digital piracy by leveraging provisions of the Copyright Act 2022 Nigeria, alongside collaboration with relevant national institutions to ensure a coordinated response.
He added that the enforcement drive is part of the broader National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy, aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The Policy provides a structured approach to strengthening the generation, protection and commercialisation of intellectual property across key sectors, including sports.
“The success of this Policy will depend not only on institutional frameworks but also on the active participation of citizens, particularly young people, who are its primary beneficiaries.”
He therefore called on Nigerian youth “to take deliberate steps to harness the opportunities presented by intellectual property. They are encouraged to acquire knowledge of IP rights, position themselves within the creative and innovation ecosystem and utilise available frameworks to create, protect and commercialise their ideas and talents.”
Asein noted that this year’s commemoration is particularly significant for Nigeria, “as it is the first since the approval of the country’s inaugural National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy by the Federal Executive Council. This milestone affirms the central role of intellectual property (IP) as a strategic driver of innovation, youth empowerment and sustainable wealth creation.”
He pointed out that this year's theme is both timely and compelling; adding that “It reflects the growing importance of sports as an economic sector and underscores the role of IP in transforming talent into tangible value. It also resonates strongly with Nigeria’s national character, defined by energy, resilience, discipline and ambition, qualities that are most evident in our youthful population.”
The Commission, therefore invited Nigerian youth to be active participants in this national vision for a more innovative and prosperous future.
