Nigerian Copyright Commission

08/10/2026

S.T.O.P. EXPLAINS | DMCA & ONLINE PIRACY

A movie is uploaded without permission. A creator finds it online. What happens next?

You may have heard the term DMCA whenever online copyright infringement is discussed. But what exactly does it mean?

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) is a U.S. law that provides a framework for dealing with copyright infringement in the digital environment. One of its best-known mechanisms allows rights holders to send qualifying takedown notices to online service providers when their copyrighted works are being used without authorisation.

Nigeria has a similar mechanism.

Our Copyright Act, 2022 contains specific provisions for online infringement and notice-and-takedown procedures. A copyright owner can notify a relevant service provider about infringing content and request that it be removed or access to it disabled. Service providers also have responsibilities when they receive valid notices.

So, where does piracy come in?

Imagine a Nigerian filmmaker releases a new movie. Days later, someone uploads the full film to a website and shares the link across Telegram and WhatsApp.

The filmmaker can identify the unauthorised copies, preserve evidence and pursue available enforcement or takedown channels.

The creator or rights holder has a role.
The platform or service provider has responsibilities.
The person uploading the content can face consequences.
And the audience also matters - every download, forward or share can help piracy spread.

The bigger lesson?

Online piracy is not simply about “someone uploading a movie.” It involves an entire digital chain and effective enforcement requires rights holders, platforms, service providers, regulators and audiences to play their part.

🚨 See piracy? Report it.
📧 [email protected]
📱 0813-7459-027
📝 bit.ly/STOPpiracyreport

Protect Creativity. Protect Rights. Protect Revenue.

07/10/2026

NCC Hosts BCG and JICA Delegation on a Study Visit to the Commission
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‎The Director-General, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Dr. John O. Asein, and the Management team of the Commission hosted a delegation from the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on a field study visit on Nigeria’s content industry and Intellectual Property protection at the Commission’s Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday, 6 October 2026.
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‎Welcoming the delegation, the Director-General acknowledged the longstanding relationship between NCC and JICA, noting that the visit provides an opportunity to renew the partnership, identify areas of mutual interest and explore prospects for enhanced technical cooperation between Nigeria and Japan.
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‎Dr. Asein, highlighted Nigeria’s vast creative potential and strong talent base, stressing the need to leverage emerging technologies, innovation and new forms of creative enterprise to further develop the sector. He assured the delegation of the Commission’s readiness to contribute relevant insights and perspectives to the study, particularly on copyright protection, enforcement and the development of a sustainable creative ecosystem.
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‎The leader of the delegation and Managing Director, BCG, Mr. Takeshi Oikawa, appreciated the warm reception accorded the team and explained that JICA’s engagement in Nigeria has traditionally focused on key development areas, including infrastructure, energy, healthcare and education. He noted that JICA is expanding its interest in the creative industry, particularly in areas where Japan has considerable experience, such as animation, gaming and music.
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‎He informed that BCG had been commissioned to undertake a landscaping study across ten countries, with Nigeria and South Africa selected as the two African countries, to identify opportunities for collaboration and creative industry development.
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‎Mr. Oikawa further disclosed that the study seeks to explore practical areas of international cooperation, strengthen the institutional and market environment for the creative industry, address piracy and copyright infringement, and also promote human-resource development and industrial infrastructure.
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‎The stakeholder engagement with NCC he stated, is intended to obtain insights into the current state of Nigeria’s creative industry, identity key challenges and priority areas for intervention, with a view to developing actionable JICA support measures and an appropriate implementation framework, for sustainable industry growth and stronger Nigeria–Japan cooperation.
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‎Highlight of the study visit was the interactive session between the delegation and the NCC team comprising of the Director, Nigerian Copyright Academy, Mrs. Funmi Adewale; Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Collins Nweke and Director, Operations, Mr. Femi Ajala.
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‎Pictorials from the visit:

07/10/2026

🎬 *Before you click publish, clear the rights.*

Music. Photos. Artwork. Footage. Make sure you have the rights to use them online—and keep the proof.

Clear it. Check it. Then publish.

Copyright Connect | NCC — Protecting Creativity.

#

06/10/2026

https://youtube.com/live/2RT9w5aBS0s

COPYRIGHT CONNECT 6TH OCT, 2026

05/10/2026

*Copyright Awareness Tips*

*Topic: Assignment vs. License: What is the Difference?*

Not every permission to use a copyright work means ownership has changed.- *Assignment* means you are transferring full copyright ownership to someone else.- *License* only gives permission to exercise specified rights without transferring ownership.

*Important:* For it to be legally effective, an assignment or an exclusive license MUST be in writing. A non-exclusive license, however, can be written, oral, or even inferred from the owner's conduct.

For more information, visit: http://www.copyright.gov.ng | 09019001400 | [email protected]

04/10/2026

The Creators
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‎M.I Abaga
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‎Jude Lemfani Abaga popularly known as M.I. Abaga is a Nigerian rapper, songwriter, record producer,m and entrepreneur born on 4th October 1981 in Jos, Plateau State,
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‎M.I Abaga is widely recognised for his exceptional lyricism and distinctive artistry, which has over the years significantly contributed to the growth and development of Nigerian hip-hop music.
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‎His creativity and commitment to his craft have made him one of the most influential figures in contemporary Nigerian music.
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‎M.I. Abaga's illustrious career has seen him produce many hit singles like: Talk About It (2008), MI 2: The Movie (2010), The Chairman (2014), A Study on Self Worth: Yxng Dxnzl (2018) and The Guy (2022). Some of his other popular songs include: Safe (2008), One Naira (2010), Bad Belle (2010), Bullion Van (2014), You Rappers Should Fix Up Your Lives (2017), African Rapper No. 1 (2010) and The Love Song (2008), among others.
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‎His achievements have been recognised with numerous awards and nominations, including honours at the MTV Africa Music Awards and recognition at the BET Awards.
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‎M.I Abaga has also been involved in music management having served as Chief Executive Officer of Chocolate City and later establishing Incredible Music. He also co-founded TASCK, a creative company focused on building sustainable opportunities and revenue pathways for creatives.
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‎M.I Abaga remains an influential voice in Nigeria's creative industry, inspiring a new generation of musicians, entrepreneurs, writers, producers, and creators to embrace originality, protect their intellectual property, and build sustainable careers from their creativity.
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‎The Management and Staff of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) rejoice with this outstanding creator and copyright icon as he celebrates his birthday and wish him many more years of artistic excellence, innovation, and impactful contributions to Nigeria's creative economy.
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02/10/2026

💡 COPYRIGHT MYTH vs FACT

📚 A Weekly Copyright Awareness Series

By the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC)

❌ MYTH

«“If a video, film, book, music or other content is labelled ‘Watch for Free’ or ‘Download for Free’, I can use it however I want.”»

😂 “It says FREE. What else am I supposed to check?”

✅ COPYRIGHT FACT

“Free to watch” does not necessarily mean “free to download, copy, share or reuse.”

Some content is legitimately offered online for free by the copyright owner or an authorised platform, sometimes subject to specific terms of use or licences.

But free access does not automatically mean safe or free permission.

Under the Copyright Act, 2022, copyright owners have exclusive rights over certain uses of their works, including reproduction and, depending on the work, other acts such as communication to the public and adaptation, subject to the exceptions provided by law.

So before you download, copy, share, upload, adapt or commercially use content you find online, check what permission has actually been given.

And there is another reason to be careful.

That “FREE” download could come with a price you never expected:

💻 Malware could compromise your device or files.

🔐 Phishing or data theft could expose your personal information.

💳 Fraud could target your financial or account details.

📱 Malicious files or applications could put your device at risk.

📝 QUICK TAKEAWAYS

🆓 FREE does not automatically mean COPYRIGHT-FREE.

📜 Check the copyright status, terms of use or licence.

🔗 Check the source before clicking or downloading.

⚠️ Be cautious with suspicious websites and unknown links.

🔐 Protect your device, files and personal information.

💡 When in doubt, pause and verify before you click.

REMEMBER:

“Free” tells you the price.
It does not necessarily tell you the permission. 😉

Watch responsibly. Download carefully. Respect copyright.

📞 NEED MORE INFORMATION?

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) provides copyright information, counselling and advisory services.

🌐 Website: copyright.gov.ng
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Anti-Piracy Hotline: 0901 900 3200
🖥 E-Registration: eregistration.copyright.gov.ng

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📢 Join us next week for another edition of Copyright Myth vs Fact as we continue to debunk common misconceptions, share practical copyright knowledge, and help you understand, protect and respect creativity.

01/10/2026

🇳🇬 INDEPENDENCE AND THE FIGHT AGAINST ONLINE PIRACY

Nigeria’s independence was about taking ownership of our future.

Today, that responsibility extends into the digital space.

Our creators produce music, films, books, photographs, software, games and other works that carry Nigerian stories, culture and talent to the world. Online piracy undermines the economic value of those works by making them available without the required authorisation.

The fight against piracy is therefore more than enforcement. It is about protecting the ability of Nigerians to create, earn from their work and build sustainable creative businesses.

From physical copies and optical discs to websites, streaming platforms, IPTV services, apps and social media channels, piracy keeps changing. So must our response.

The Nigerian Copyright Commission continues to investigate and take action against copyright piracy, while S.T.O.P focuses on online piracy intelligence, awareness and enforcement.

This Independence season, let us extend the meaning of protecting Nigeria to the creativity Nigerians produce.

🇳🇬 Protect Nigerian creativity.
🇳🇬 Respect Nigerian creators.
🇳🇬 Support legitimate access.
🇳🇬 Report online piracy.

📧 [email protected]
📱 S.T.O.P Hotline: 0813-7459-027

📝 Report Online Piracy:
https://bit.ly/STOPpiracyreport

📢 Follow the S.T.O.P Information Channel:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7m1L61t90l50uaQN2m

🌐 S.T.O.P Information Centre:
https://linktr.ee/STOPPIRACY

This Independence Day, protect the creativity that tells our Nigerian story.

S.T.O.P
Protect Creativity. Protect Rights. Protect Revenue.

01/10/2026

🇳🇬 OCTOBER 1: A DAY TO REMEMBER. A FREEDOM TO PROTECT.

Before the fireworks, the green and white, the celebrations and the “Happy Independence” messages, remember what this day represents.

On 1 October 1960, Nigeria became an independent and sovereign nation, bringing an end to British colonial rule. The Union Jack was lowered and the Nigerian green-white-green flag was raised. It was a defining moment in our history: a people taking responsibility for the future of their own nation. 🇳🇬

But independence is more than a date in our history.

It is about freedom, responsibility, identity and the ability to build and protect what is ours.

Today, Nigeria is home to millions of creators telling our stories to the world through films, music, books, photography, art, software and other creative works.

And just as we value the freedom and identity of our nation, we must also learn to respect the rights behind the creativity that represents us.

Downloading a pirated movie, sharing an unauthorised song, reposting protected content without permission or directing people to piracy platforms may seem like small actions. Collectively, however, they affect the people who create, invest in and depend on those works.

So, in the spirit of independence, choose responsibility.

Support Nigerian creators. Consume content through legitimate channels. Respect creative ownership. And encourage others to do the same.

Because building the Nigeria we want is not only the responsibility of leaders. It is something every one of us participates in, including in the choices we make online.

🇳🇬 Happy Independence Day, Nigeria.

Protect Creativity. Protect Rights. Protect Revenue.

If you discover websites, IPTV services, Telegram channels, WhatsApp groups, social media accounts, mobile apps, or any online platform distributing copyrighted works without authorization, report them to S.T.O.P.

📧 [email protected]
📱 0813-7459-027 (WhatsApp Only)

01/10/2026

🇳🇬🇳🇬 HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, NIGERIA! 💚🤍

Today, we celebrate Nigeria — her people, her stories, her culture and the creativity that makes us proudly Nigerian.

Here’s to the talented people behind the songs, films, books, art, stories and broadcasts that make Nigeria shine. ✨

NCC — Protecting Creativity.