By Ekene Okafor
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has initiated talks with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to tackle digital piracy and the proliferation of unlicensed streaming platforms in Nigeria.
Speaking during a visit to the NCC headquarters in Abuja, the Executive Director of NFVCB, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, stressed the urgent need for stronger collaboration between the two agencies.
He noted that while the NFVCB regulates films and video works through censorship, classification, and licensing, the rapid expansion of digital platforms has created new threats to Nigeria’s creative economy.
“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.
The NFVCB boss expressed concern that some telecommunications operators are offering streaming services without securing the mandatory licenses for exhibition and distribution of films from the Board.
He warned that such practices expose Nigerians to unclassified and unregulated content with potential cultural and security risks.
To address these challenges, Dr. Husseini called on the NCC to work with both the NFVCB and the Nigerian Copyright Commission to combat piracy on encrypted platforms.
He also urged the NCC to require telecom operators to obtain NFVCB distribution and exhibition licenses before streaming films.
In addition, he proposed the establishment of a joint technical committee to harmonize regulatory oversight.
Responding on behalf of the NCC, the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, representing the Executive Vice Chairman, welcomed the NFVCB delegation and assured them of the Commission’s commitment to partnership.
She said that both agencies would soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to fast-track interventions when infractions occur.
Makama also briefed the NFVCB on NCC’s existing framework for Child Online Protection and pledged to investigate reports of unlicensed streaming services by telecommunications operators and the piracy of films on Telegram, which she described as “a form of cybercrime.”
Dr. Husseini emphasized that Nigeria’s film industry remains both a cultural treasure and a key driver of the national economy.
“Protecting it is in our collective national interest,” he said, adding that the NFVCB-NCC partnership would ensure a safer digital ecosystem and a fair marketplace for creative talents.
Victoria Ibanga