The National Film and Video Censors Board has initiated strategic discussions with the Nigerian Communications Commission aimed at addressing the growing challenge of unauthorized digital content distribution and illegal streaming operations across Nigeria’s digital landscape.
During an official visit to the Commission’s Abuja office, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, who serves as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the film regulatory body, acknowledged the telecommunications regulator’s accomplishments in overseeing the nation’s communications industry. He emphasized the critical importance of establishing stronger institutional cooperation between the two organizations to protect Nigeria’s creative sector.
Dr. Husseini explained that while his agency maintains oversight of film and video content through its censorship, classification, and licensing mandates, the explosive growth of digital distribution channels has introduced unprecedented challenges to the country’s entertainment economy. The proliferation of online platforms has created vulnerabilities that criminal elements are exploiting to undermine legitimate content creators and distributors.
The censorship board’s chief executive highlighted particularly troubling developments involving the theft of Nigerian cinematic works through encrypted messaging applications like Telegram. According to Dr. Husseini, these illicit operations are depriving industry stakeholders of rightful revenues, dampening incentives for producing quality entertainment content, and potentially compromising national security interests.
Another significant concern raised during the meeting involves telecommunications companies that have ventured into content streaming without obtaining mandatory distribution and exhibition permits from the film regulatory authority. Dr. Husseini pointed out that these unauthorized operations expose Nigerian audiences to content that has not undergone proper classification or regulatory review, creating potential cultural and security vulnerabilities for viewers.
To combat these emerging threats, the film board’s leadership proposed a multi-agency approach involving collaboration among the Nigerian Communications Commission, the Nigerian Copyright Commission, and the National Film and Video Censors Board. This coordinated strategy would specifically target piracy activities occurring on encrypted digital platforms. Dr. Husseini also requested that the telecommunications regulator direct mobile network operators to secure appropriate licenses from the film board before offering video streaming services to subscribers.
Barr. Rimini Makama, the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management at the Nigerian Communications Commission, responded positively to the proposals while representing the agency’s Executive Vice Chairman. She welcomed the visiting delegation and provided assurances regarding the Commission’s readiness to establish a working partnership with the film regulatory body.
The telecommunications official disclosed that both agencies are preparing to formalize their cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding, which will establish clear frameworks for rapid response and intervention whenever regulatory violations are detected. This agreement is expected to streamline coordination between the two regulatory bodies and enhance their collective capacity to address infractions in the digital content distribution space.
The proposed partnership represents a significant development in Nigeria’s efforts to protect its creative industries from digital exploitation while ensuring that streaming platforms operating within the country comply with existing regulatory frameworks designed to safeguard cultural values and national interests.
