Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for stronger collaboration among African governments, filmmakers, musicians, and media stakeholders to combat piracy and protect the continent’s growing creative industry. The Lagos State governor made the appeal during the 2026 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards held in Lagos, where leading figures from the entertainment sector gathered to celebrate achievements in film and television.
Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu described piracy as one of the biggest threats facing creative professionals across Africa. According to him, the illegal distribution of movies, music, and digital content continues to deny creators the financial rewards they deserve after investing time, talent, and resources into their productions. He stressed that unless urgent action is taken, piracy could discourage investment in the entertainment industry and slow down its growth.
The governor noted that Lagos has become the entertainment capital of Nigeria and one of the leading creative hubs in Africa. He said the state government remains committed to supporting filmmakers, actors, producers, and other creative talents through policies and infrastructure that encourage innovation and economic growth. He added that the creative industry has become an important contributor to employment generation, youth empowerment, and the overall economy of Lagos State.
Sanwo-Olu explained that stronger laws, better enforcement, and improved digital security systems are needed to tackle piracy effectively. He also urged technology companies and online streaming platforms to work closely with governments in identifying and removing pirated content from digital platforms. According to him, protecting intellectual property rights is essential for ensuring that African stories continue to reach global audiences while creators receive fair compensation for their work.
The governor praised the achievements of Nigerian filmmakers and actors who have continued to gain international recognition despite various challenges facing the industry. He said the success of Nollywood has shown the power of African storytelling and cultural expression on the global stage. He also encouraged young creatives to remain committed to professionalism and originality in their work.
Many participants at the event welcomed the governor’s comments, noting that piracy remains a major challenge affecting revenue generation in the entertainment sector. Industry stakeholders expressed hope that stronger cooperation between governments and private organizations would help create a safer environment for creative businesses to thrive across Africa.
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