If you’ve ever created something — a song, film, book, or even a cool design, you’ve probably wondered, “How can I make sure no one else takes credit for my work?” The answer lies in copyright. Copyright is a legal concept that grants you ownership and control over the use and distribution of creative works, including books, videos, films, musical compositions, and more.
While Nigeria is home to many talented creators, the creative industry faces a significant challenge: content piracy. Piracy isn’t just about someone stealing your work; it has a ripple effect that can cripple the entire industry. When piracy spreads, it doesn’t just hurt creators, it impacts audiences too. With fewer people willing to invest in local content, the number of great shows, movies, and music we all enjoy could dwindle.
So, how can you protect your work? To effectively combat content piracy, it’s essential to understand the copyright laws and protections available to you. Here are eight key things you need to know about copyright in Nigeria to safeguard your work or business from piracy:
1. Copyright Registration Matters in Nigeria
In many African countries, copyright protection is automatically applied as soon as your work is created—no need to fill out forms or pay fees. However, Nigeria operates a notification system called the Nigerian Copyright e-Registration System (NCeRS), administered by the Nigerian Copyright Commission. This system allows you to register your work, providing evidence of the creation date and other details in case of a dispute.
It’s smart to keep clear records of your work, including when and how it was created, and to register your work with the Commission.
2. Copyright Lasts a Long Time
For most creative works, copyright protection lasts for 50 years. However, this depends on the type of work. In Nigeria, copyright protection for literary, musical, and artistic works lasts for 70 years after the author’s death. Cinematograph films, broadcasts, photographs, and sound recordings are protected for 50 years after the end of the year in which the work was first published. This means your work is protected for a long time, giving you or your family control over how it’s used.
3. You Have Exclusive Rights
As the copyright owner, you have the exclusive right to decide how your work is used. You can control who reproduces, distributes, or performs your work. Understanding these rights is key to ensuring your creation is used in ways you’re comfortable with and potentially earning some money from it!
4. Copyright Can Be Transferred
Just like you can sell or rent out a house, you can transfer your copyright to someone else. This could be through a sale, inheritance, or even a licensing deal where someone pays you to use your work for a specific purpose, often in exchange for royalties.
5. Always Use Contracts
When collaborating with other creators, a solid contract is essential. Ensure you have a comprehensive agreement that outlines who owns what, how the work can be used, and any compensation involved. This helps avoid future disputes and ensures everyone’s on the same page from the start.
6. Piracy is a Major Problem
Piracy is like a silent thief that takes more than just your work—it undermines the entire creative community by discouraging investment in local content. So be vigilant.
Thankfully, companies like MultiChoice Africa are on the frontlines, working to protect African stories and support local creators by fighting against piracy.
7. Laws Keep Changing
Copyright laws aren’t set in stone; they evolve as technology and creative industries change. It’s important to stay updated on the latest laws in Nigeria and other countries where you plan to collaborate to ensure your work is always protected.
8. You’re Not Alone—Help is Available
Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) exist to help you protect your rights and support a sustainable creative industry. If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to them.
MultiChoice Africa also actively partners with CMOs across the continent to ensure fair compensation is distributed to creators when their work is used. This approach supports a sustainable creative industry where creators are recognized and rewarded for their work. Through campaigns like Partners Against Piracy, MultiChoice Africa is investing in anti-piracy measures that contribute to the growth of the African film and TV industry, ultimately leading to higher-quality productions and increased global recognition.
As Frikkie Jonker, Director of Broadcast Cybersecurity and Anti-Piracy at Irdeto, a partner of MultiChoice Africa, puts it: “When copyrighted property is stolen, it’s not just content that’s being taken—it’s the livelihoods, the families, and the futures of the creators who poured their heart and soul into their work. This is why the fight against piracy is so critical—it is a fight to protect people’s right to earn a living from their creative abilities and production skills.”
At the end of the day, understanding and using copyright protection is crucial for anyone involved in the creative industry. It’s more than just safeguarding your work; it’s about securing the future of creatives across Africa. So, whether you’re a creator, a business, or simply someone who loves African stories, let’s all do our part to support and protect the amazing work coming out of this continent as we continue to fight against piracy.