By Grace Onwuka

Nollywood has grown from an upcoming film industry producing low-budget, straight-to-DVD
movies into a multi-billion-naira global brand. Today, Nigerian films stream on Netflix, Amazon
Prime, and Showmax, reaching audiences in Africa, Europe, and America. With this global
spotlight, intellectual property (IP) protection is no longer just a legal formality, it is the lifeline of
the industry.

But while Nollywood shines brightly, piracy, weak enforcement, and digital exploitation continue
to dim its full potential. As it ushers in reflections on growth and renewal, it is worth asking: how
well is Nollywood protecting its creative assets, and what prospects lie ahead?

The Challenges

1. Piracy
From CDs in traffic to illegal downloads online, piracy continues to drain Nollywood’s
revenue. Despite years of campaigns, enforcement remains weak. A report by the Nigerian
Copyright Commission (NCC) estimates that Nollywood loses billions annually to piracy
(NCC, 2020).

2. Weak Enforcement of IP Laws
Nigeria has laws protecting copyright, trademarks, and related rights, but enforcement
agencies often lack resources and coordination. Court processes are slow, leaving many
creators discouraged.

3. Digital Exploitation
Streaming platforms bring visibility, but also risks. Many filmmakers lack bargaining power
in negotiating licensing contracts, leading to poor royalty structures and unfair exploitation.

4. Limited Awareness Among Creatives
Many Nollywood stakeholders, actors, scriptwriters, and even producers still treat IP as an
afterthought. Contracts are sometimes oral, rights are vaguely defined, and disputes abound.

The Prospects

1. Stronger Legal Reforms
The Copyright Act 2022 introduced stiffer penalties for infringement, wider digital
protection, and better alignment with international treaties (NCC, 2023). If enforced, this law
could transform Nollywood’s fortunes.

2. Digital Distribution as a Game-Changer
Platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime have shown Nollywood’s global potential. Properly
structured, licensing deals can secure long-term earnings for producers and boost industry
credibility (PwC, 2020).

3. Emerging Role of Collective Management
Societies such as Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) and Audio-Visual Rights Society
(AVRS) are becoming more active in collecting royalties. If strengthened, they could protect
rights more effectively across borders (AVRS, 2021).

4. Global Collaborations
With Nollywood increasingly partnering with Hollywood, Bollywood, and other industries,
Nigerian filmmakers have opportunities to learn global best practices in IP protection and
contract negotiations (UNESCO, 2021).

Conclusion

For Nollywood to sustain its growth, IP protection must move from the periphery to the center of
industry practice. Creatives must be educated on their rights, enforcement agencies must be
empowered, and stakeholders must embrace the culture of contracts.
The truth is simple: Nollywood can only rise as far as its IP protection allows it. With stronger
laws, greater awareness, and global partnerships, the Nigerian film industry could transform IP
from a challenge into its greatest strength.

References

• Audio Visual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS). (2021). Annual Report. Lagos: AVRS.
• Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC). (2020). Combating Piracy in Nigeria. Abuja: NCC.
• Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC). (2023). Copyright Act 2022 – Overview and
Implications. Abuja: NCC.
• PwC. (2020). Entertainment and Media Outlook: Nigeria 2020–2024. PwC Africa.
• UNCTAD. (2021). Creative Economy Outlook: Trends in International Trade in Creative
Industries. Geneva: UNCTAD.
• UNESCO. (2021). African Film Industry Report. Paris: UNESCO.