Governor Sanwo-Olu, DG NCC Asein call for united front against piracy at AMVCA 2026
By Editor
THE Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for a united and uncompromising fight against piracy in Africa’s entertainment industry, warning that the remarkable achievements of the creative sector could be undermined if intellectual property theft is allowed to thrive. While speaking at the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 2026 held in Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed that creative excellence and artistic brilliance would amount to little if creators are denied the full economic rewards of their labour.
While addressing hundreds of filmmakers, actors, producers, directors, and other creative professionals at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu warned, “All of the great work you’re all doing will amount to nothing if we let piracy take the 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 continues to drain revenue, discourage investment, and weaken the long-term sustainability of the creative sector. He further noted that Africa’s creative industry is driven by extraordinary talent, creativity, and intellectual capacity, stressing that these gifts must translate into meaningful economic prosperity for creators and industry practitioners.
According to him, “We need to kill piracy in whatever form and 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 also, the Director-General of Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Dr. John Asein, reinforced the need for stronger collective action against piracy and copyright abuse. While presenting the award for Best Unscripted M-Net Original, Asein reminded the audience that piracy threatens creativity and the livelihood of all whose talents bring stories to life. While reaffirming the commitment of the Nigerian Copyright Commission to protect creators and creative enterprise, he emphasised that the strongest defence against piracy remains 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.
According to a statement signed by the Director Public Affairs of NCC, Ijeoma Egbunike, the strong anti-piracy messages delivered during the AMVCA reflect the growing recognition that copyright protection is essential to the sustainability, growth, and economic future of Africa’s creative industries.
