Broadcasting
Copyright Treaties Ratification will Advance the Nigerian Film Industry – NCC
The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has assured stakeholders in the Nigerian Film Industry that the recent ratification of Copyright Treaties by the Commission offers great opportunities to the creative industries.
The ratified Treaties are the Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT), WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT), WIPO Treaty on Audio Visual Performances and the Marrakesh Treaty to facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print disabled.
Special Assistant to the Director-General, NCC and Director, Regulatory Department, Mr. Mike Akpan gave the assurance while representing the Commission, at a roundtable during the 35th Session of WIPO Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights in Geneva.
According to him, some of the benefits to be derived by the film industry from the ratification and eventual domestication of the treaties include: foreign investment in the industry, strengthening of contractual obligations beyond domestic borders and facilitating enhanced capacity of the industry through strategic intervention of Government.
In his presentation at the event, Mr. Mike Akpan provided a background to the Copyright Reforms of the Nigerian Copyright Commission and noted that the reform was necessitated by the need to strengthen the copyright and enforcement framework to enhance the competitiveness of the creative industries in the context of digital environment and knowledge based global economy.
The event themed “Developments in the Copyright field in Nigeria and their Potential Impact on the Growth of the Nigerian Film Industry” was organized by the International Federation of Film Producers’ Associations (FIAPF) in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations.
The highly interactive meeting was centered on the recent decision by Nigeria to ratify the WIPO Copyright Treaties, the ongoing review of the copyright laws; and how to build new opportunities for funding, distributing Nigerian films and widen its international reach.
The Chairman of the event and Senior Advisor, FIAPF, Mr. Bertrand Moullier, a Senior Advisor, in his address also expressed optimism that Nigeria’s recent decision to ratify four major international copyright treaties will have a positive impact on the Nigerian Film Industry.
Mr. Moullier observed that the Nollywood, is one of the most prolific entertainment industry in the world, having in terms of volume production, the highest number of productions per year. He stressed that it is no doubt imperative that its creators and entrepreneurs now seek a stable system of regulation and legal incentives in order to take the dynamic sector to the next level of a major force in local job creation and GDP grower of the Country.
Discussing the Draft Copyright Bill, Professor, Bankole Sodipo noted that there are some remarkable improvement on the present Copyright Law, which includes the provision that captures, the right of Broadcasting for films, as well as the right of making available of films, these he said were in line with the provisions of the WCT and WPPT.
According to him, other similar provisions are on Technological Provision Measures as well as Rights Management Information, inclusion of a provision on transfer of rights of performers and the right to share in revenue for exploitation of their fixed performances. He also spoke on the expansion of exceptions and limitations which includes provision to grant access to works for the benefit of the blind and visually impaired persons.
Mr. Kunle Afolayan, a film Producer and Director, reacting to questions regarding the state of rights enforcement as part of domestic challenges, stated that the industry has had challenges of piracy, stressing that this hyped by inadequate enforcement mechanisms of the public agencies.
He however noted that with the current reform of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, and in particular the prospects of the new copyright law, the industry looks forward to a better reinforcement and rights protection regime.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to United Nations in Geneva, His Excellency Ambassador Audu A. Kadiri, appreciated the efforts of FIAPF and WIPO for creating a platform to discuss issues relating to Nigeria’s film industry.
He thanked all the participants and assured that the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is taking necessary steps to promote policies that will support and reposition the entire creative industry of the country.
Other presenters at the session include Mr. Tonye Princewill, a Port Harcourt based film Producer, Mr. Allain Modot, an International Film Distribution Agent, based in France and distinguished delegates from member states of WIPO as well as Senior Officials of WIPO.
Mr. Tim Akano, New Horizons Chief Executive Officer, took centre stage at the Nigerian Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA) annual end-of-year meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025, recounting the company’s remarkable growth and reaffirming free IT training for journalists.
Tim Akano, New Horizons Chief Executive Officer, in a group photograph with NITRA Members
Speaking directly to IT media members at the company’s training facility in Lagos, Akano acknowledged the critical role journalists played in supporting New Horizons during its formative years two decades ago.
He detailed how the firm evolved from a handful of staff to one of Africa’s leading ICT skills training organisations, now employing about 500 staff across multiple training centres nationwide.
Akano Spotlights Youth Training, University Partnerships
Akano highlighted that New Horizons has trained over 500,000 youths, particularly tertiary institution students, equipping them with practical IT skills essential for Nigeria’s digital economy.
He announced recent partnerships with universities, including a new agreement with Afe Babalola University, to scale hands-on training programmes for students.
“This growth would not have been possible without the media’s support in documenting our journey,” Akano stated, pledging continued free IT skills training for media members to remain competitive in the evolving digital landscape.
Reciprocal Support Defines Long-Standing Partnership
The venue hosting the NITRA meeting underscored Akano’s generosity; NITRA Secretary Chidiebere Nwankwo secured the free facility after contacting him—a gesture consistent with New Horizons hosting multiple association events and training IT journalists since its inception 20 years ago.
Participants shared personal testimonies of Akano’s support, including veteran journalist Aaron Ukodie, whose daughter—an Accounting graduate from the University of Johannesburg—received NYSC placement and IT scholarship at New Horizons.
The Guardian’s Yemi Adeyemi recounted Akano accommodating his editor’s child for mandatory IT training after other firms declined.
Members praised Akano’s commitment to human capital development as evidence of deep appreciation for the media community that chronicled New Horizons’ success over two decades.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched the NIMC Pre-Enrolment Portal to revolutionise the National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment process, enabling applicants within Nigeria and in the Diaspora to capture biodata online prior to biometric verification at enrolment centres.
NIMC
Accessible via penrol.nimc.gov.ng, the platform allows users to fill enrolment forms, schedule appointments, upload supporting documents securely, and manage personal details directly, thereby slashing congestion, minimising wait times, boosting data accuracy and enhancing overall service efficiency at centres nationwide.
NIMC Director-General and CEO, Engr. (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, spearheaded the initiative as part of the Commission’s technology-driven strategy to fortify institutional performance, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda that emphasises digital transformation, efficient public service delivery and inclusive national development.
Dr Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, highlighted key benefits including simplified biodata handling, confidential data protection through robust security measures, reduced physical centre visits and heightened operational effectiveness, urging all prospective enrollees to adopt the portal for a faster, citizen-friendly experience.[conversation_history]
The move underscores NIMC’s mandate under the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007 to manage the National Identity Database, issue NINs and foster a reliable digital identity ecosystem vital for national planning, with users advised to complete pre-enrolment online before heading to selected centres for biometrics.
MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), a Pan-African film and television training institution, has announced the opening of applications for its 2026 intake.
MultiChoice
The fully funded programme is open to African graduates aspiring to become directors, filmmakers, scriptwriters, producers and storytellers.
According to MultiChoice, the nine-month accredited curriculum combines online learning with intensive in-person training, and is designed to balance theoretical knowledge with practical immersion.
MTF academies are located in Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia, and serve aspiring filmmakers from 14 African countries. Since its inception in 2018, the initiative has trained 296 filmmakers, with graduates producing more than 42 movies aired on DStv, GOtv and Showmax platforms.
Organisers said alumni of the programme have gone on to establish over 50 production companies, while many continue to work within the MultiChoice ecosystem.
Graduates have also won accolades at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Kalasha Awards, Uganda Film Festival and Women in Film Awards.
Applications for the 2026 intake close on Feb. 27, 2026. Interested candidates can visit https://apo-opa.co/3XW53oE for programme requirements.
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