A united and uncompromising fight against piracy in Africa’s entertainment industry, very much required To advert influences that could prevent or undermine the remarkable achievements of the creative sector, just as he pointed out that intellectual property theft could thrive if adequate measures were not talked. The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, made this known as he spoke at the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 2026 held in Lagos, stressing that creative excellence and artistic brilliance would amount to little if creators are denied the full economic rewards of their labour.
Warned he while addressing hundreds of filmmakers, actors, producers, directors, and other creative professionals at the event: “All of the great work you’re all doing will amount to nothing if we let piracy take shine out of all of this”.
While acknowledging the growing global influence of African film, music, and digital content, Governor Sanwo-Olu lamented that piracy continued to drain revenue, discourage investment, and weaken the long-term sustainability of the creative sector.
The Governor further noted that Africa’s creative industry was driven by extraordinary talent, creativity, and intellectual capacity, stressing that these gifts must translate into meaningful economic prosperity for creators and industry practitioners.
Stated he: “We need to kill piracy in whatever form, shape, because we want you all to be economically sound, to have the full benefit, full economic benefit, of your sweat”.
Earlier at the event, the Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Dr. John Asein, reinforced the need for stronger collective action against piracy and copyright abuse.
Presenting the award for Best Unscripted M-Net Original, the Director-General reminded the audience that piracy threatened creativity and the livelihood of all whose talents bring stories to life.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Nigerian Copyright Commission to the protection of creators and creative enterprise, he emphasised that the strongest defence against piracy remained a shared culture of respect for copyright works.
The Director-General therefore urged all stakeholders to unite in saying no to all forms of piracy and copyright abuse.
The strong anti-piracy messages delivered during the AMVCA reflected the growing recognition that copyright protection is essential to the sustainability, growth, and economic future of Africa’s creative industries.
