The director-general of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), John Asein, has called for stronger collaboration with MultiChoice Nigeria to promote an enabling environment for creators and investors.

This is contained in a statement issued by the commission’s director of public affairs, Ijeoma Egbunike, on Friday in Abuja.

Mr Asein made this call during a courtesy visit by the chief executive officer of MultiChoice Nigeria, Kemi Omotosho, and her delegation to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

He congratulated Ms Omotosho on her appointment and expressed confidence in her leadership of the media and content ecosystem.

The director-general said the visit provided an opportunity to deepen collaboration on issues critical to the growth and sustainability of the creative industry.

He acknowledged MultiChoice’s contributions to Nigeria’s audiovisual and broadcast sectors through investments in infrastructure, support for local content and platforms connecting Nigerian content to global audiences.

According to him, the contributions have strengthened the value chain and enhanced the visibility of Nigerian creative works locally and internationally.

Mr Asein also welcomed MultiChoice’s “Back to Profitable Growth Plan”, noting that it has the potential to improve efficiency, enhance customer experience and ensure compliance with copyright standards.

He emphasised the need for a balanced copyright system that protects creators’ rights, secures investments and promotes lawful access to content.

The NCC boss, however, raised concerns over inconsistent judicial decisions on the use of subscription broadcast services in commercial settings such as hotels.

Referring to some of the recent cases, he said divergent interpretations had created uncertainty for stakeholders, including users and collective management organisations.

Mr Asein further highlighted the need for greater clarity in licensing terms and regulatory guidance to ensure consistency and market stability.

He also stressed the need to strengthen licensing frameworks within the audiovisual sector.

He noted that clear delineation of rights and responsibilities between broadcasters and collective management organisations was essential to avoid disputes, eliminate double licensing, and ensure creators receive fair remuneration for the use of their works.

”On enforcement, I drew attention to the growing threat of cable and digital piracy, including illegal IPTV services, unauthorised online streaming, and signal redistribution.

“While the commission is intensifying intelligence-led enforcement, effective response to these challenges will require deeper collaboration with industry operators such as MultiChoice.

“This is particularly in areas of technology deployment, intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement strategies,” he said.

The director-general added that enforcement must be complemented by continuous training for the judiciary and regulators, as well as public awareness on intellectual property.

“I identify MultiChoice as a key partner in advancing public awareness initiatives, and its platforms provide a powerful channel for amplifying copyright education and promoting compliance across the creative ecosystem.

“It is a great opportunity for collaboration in national and global advocacy initiatives, including World Intellectual Property Day and World Book and Copyright Day, as platforms for celebrating Nigerian creativity,” he added.

He noted that this year’s focus on intellectual property and sports presented a unique opportunity to highlight the importance of protecting broadcast rights as a foundation for the growth of the sports industry.

Mr Asein emphasised the need for a forward-looking and collaborative approach to addressing emerging challenges in the broadcast and digital content space.

In her remarks, Ms Omotosho commended the NCC for its efforts in combating piracy, including the shutdown of over 126 infringing websites.

She reaffirmed MultiChoice’s commitment to collaboration with the commission to protect the creative value chain and ensure returns on investments.

Ms Omotosho also called for adaptive regulatory frameworks, improved communication and sustained capacity building in response to evolving technology. 

(NAN)