The Governor of Lagos State,Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Director General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Dr John Asein, have called for a collective and uncompromising fight against piracy in Africa’s entertainment industry.

The two warned that the remarkable achievements of the creative sector could be undermined if intellectual property theft is allowed to thrive.

Just recently the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy to affirm the central role of intellectual property (IP) as a strategic driver of innovation, youth empowerment and sustainable wealth creation.

Speaking at the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 2026 held in Lagos, the Governor stressed that creative excellence and artistic brilliance would amount to little if creators are denied the full economic rewards of their labour.

Addressing hundreds of filmmakers, actors, producers, directors, and other creative professionals at the event, he 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.

According to a statement signed by the Director Public Affairs, NCC, Mrs. Ijeoma Egbunike, the Governor 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, 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, Dr Asein, reinforced the need for stronger collective action against piracy and copyright abuse.

While presenting the award for Best Unscripted M-Net Original, the Director-General reminded the audience that piracy threatens 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 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.

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.