Digital piracy undermining our hard work, filmmakers lament
Filmmakers and creative-industry figures in Nigeria are warning that digital piracy is severely undermining their work, revenue and investment potential, far worse than the old era of CDs and DVDs. At a screening event in Abuja, award-winning producer Paul Apel Papel said that his film Eagle Wings is being illegally shared across numerous online platforms despite repeated takedown efforts, which quickly reoccur. He urged stronger action from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to block pirate sites and establish clearer reporting channels. Other industry voices stressed that piracy discourages creativity and investors, calling for tougher laws, stiffer penalties and coordinated enforcement to protect creators’ rights and sustain the country’s film sector.
