Nigeria’s creative and digital economy is experiencing unprecedented global growth, driven by the rise of Afrobeats and Nollywood, according to Oluwatobiloba Moody, Director of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Nigeria Office. Moody highlighted these developments during a seminar in Abuja, emphasizing the urgent need to combat online piracy and protect digital infrastructure. The seminar, titled “Protecting Nigeria’s Creative Economy and Digital Infrastructure Against Online Piracy,” was organized by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) on Monday in Abuja. It brought together stakeholders from law enforcement, financial intelligence, telecommunications, and the creative industry to address the evolving challenges of online piracy. Moody, speaking at the event, described the Nigerian creative sector as one of the country’s most significant national assets, noting that digital transformation has intensified copyright infringement risks. “Piracy is no longer a physical and street-level nuisance but a sophisticated, borderless enterprise intertwined with cybersecurity risks,” Moody said. He explained that illicit digital platforms now pose threats beyond content theft, including malware distribution, identity concealment, and disruptions to digital infrastructure. “This is why the theme of today’s seminar is critically important: to examine the nexus between online piracy, cybercrime, and national security,” he added. Moody outlined WIPO’s approach to combating piracy, stressing the need for capacity building, technical assistance, and fostering a culture of intellectual property (IP) respect. He commended Nigeria’s 2022 Copyright Act for modernizing the legal framework and expressed WIPO’s commitment to supporting the country’s efforts. “We are ready to deploy global tools like WIPO Alert and the Building Respect for IP (BRIP) framework to disrupt pirate sites and promote awareness,” he said. The seminar also featured insights from Dr. Charles Ebuebu, Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), who noted the sophistication of modern piracy. “Piracy has evolved into a cross-jurisdictional threat with severe revenue implications,” Ebuebu stated. He emphasized the importance of copyright frameworks in enabling creators to monetize content globally and warned that unchecked piracy could harm economies and the creative industry. Ms. Emily Young, Economic Adviser at the U.S. Embassy, praised Nigeria’s creative output, particularly in Afrobeats and dance. “Protecting this industry ensures creators can profit and grow, just as we do in the U.S.,” she said. Young expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s efforts and pledged continued support. Moody announced a 2025 national project by WIPO to develop strategies against online piracy, with the seminar aiming to finalize the Abuja Copyright Action Plan and an Inter-Agency Roadmap for collaboration. “These initiatives are strategic and necessary to safeguard Nigeria’s digital future,” he concluded. The event underscored the critical role of public-private partnerships in addressing digital challenges and preserving Nigeria’s creative legacy.
Nigeria's Creative Economy Surges Globally, WIPO Highlights Afrobeats, Nollywood Growth
Nyakundi Report Editorial Team
Nigeria, WIPO, Afrobeats, Nollywood, Online Piracy, Digital Economy
Nigeria's creative and digital economy is booming globally, with Afrobeats and Nollywood leading the charge, as highlighted by WIPO Director Oluwatobiloba Moody during a seminar in Abuja. The event focused on combating online piracy and protecting digital infrastructure.
https://www.businessdayonline.com/nigeria-s-creative-digital-economy-booming-globally-wipo-director/