Intellectual property piracy has reached critical levels in Nigeria, causing significant concerns within the Nollywood film industry. Recent incidents have highlighted the adversity faced by some of Nollywood’s prominent films, such as “Battle on the Bukka Street” and “A Tribe Called Judah,” which suffered leaks in January 2024. While suspicions of syndicated crime persist, Ifedayo Oniyide suggests that advancements in technology encryption can put an end to this detrimental practice.
The leak of highly anticipated films like “Orisa” by Odunlade Adekola, “The Bloom Boys,” “L.I.F.E,” “Silence,” and “Hotel Lambaba” on platforms such as YouTube and various entertainment websites dealt a severe blow to Cinemax and Filmone, leading players in Nigeria’s exhibition and distribution market, who had licensed these films to Amazon Prime and Netflix. Investigations have revealed that these leaks were orchestrated in exchange for lower sales on social channels, and increases in views and subscribers on YouTube. Such acts undermine the value of intellectual property and hinder the growth and development of the creative industry in Nigeria.
Ifedayo Oniyide, in an interview with Marapolsa Reviews, stressed the urgent need for technological improvements in encryption as a lasting solution to combat intellectual property piracy.
He also noted the importance of the Nigerian government implementing stricter punishments for individuals found guilty of such acts. By increasing the penalties, potential perpetrators would be deterred from engaging in intellectual property theft.
To address this issue effectively, it is crucial for bloggers and online platforms to refrain from circulating leaked intellectual property and creative works and instead report the sources to the producers or distribution companies.
Oniyide stressed that piracy not only stifles creativity but also takes a toll on the mental health of filmmakers and erodes confidence among investors who are eager to contribute to the growth and value of the Nigerian film industry.
He further stated, “Technology improvement in encryption is vital for safeguarding the intellectual property of filmmakers. It is imperative that the Federal Government takes decisive action in implementing stricter measures to protect the rights of content creators. By doing so, we will instill confidence in investors and create an enabling environment for the industry’s growth and prosperity.”
Oniyide is a respected figure in the Nigerian entertainment and fintech industry and a passionate advocate for intellectual property rights. With extensive experience in film production and distribution, Oniyide actively works towards promoting the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s creative ecosystem.
He is the Executive Producer of “The Bloom Boys” (2023) and “Break Point” (2021).
