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Piracy is Killing Nigerian Economy-Onyeje
Emmanuel Onyeje, country manager, Microsoft (Nigeria), has warned that piracy, particularly in the IT industry pose a huge problem to the Nigeria’s economy.
Onyeje also spoke of efforts by Microsoft to tackle the unarmed but lethal gang of pirates that left trails of tears, sweat and blood.
The Microsoft executive who spoke at the company’s ‘Play Fair Day in Lagos’ said the aim of the event was to further intensify awareness around the dangers of purchasing and deploying pirated products, and discourse its militating effects on the individual, businesses and economy with focus on proffering workable solutions.
He bemoaned negligence on the part of consumers who pave way for pirates by patronizing cheap or free download software.
According to him, over 60 per cent of personal computer world wide are likely to be affected in the acts of hacking which fuels piracy acts.
Onyeje said that the entertainment industry in Nigeria which has become a job creation haven is currently the worse hit.
“It is a subject that is very dear to my heart. It is not really about software. That is why we also brought people from the same industry to talk about this, because it impacts every aspect of our lives. The entertainment industry in Nigeria is one of the largest globally; creates jobs, showcases what Nigeria can do; create opportunities for youths to showcase their talents in singing, writing, acting and other creative arts.
“We as Nigerians are killing our own industries. That is why Nigeria is not providing the platform for the people to excel globally; because we as individuals allow piracy to continue. Piracy has many damaging index, but the most important is economic. All of us know that the most important topic in the country today is how to make the economy more sustainable. Issues like poverty rate, Boko Haram, MEND threats, will actually die down if we focus on poverty. Our long term security agenda should be on how to create more jobs and how to sustain the economy. When you are doing that, you need economic engine to drive the job creation agenda, especially the industries that can grow at a rapid rate.
“We have 70 million people, which industry can absorb them? However, we need to focus on the skills that those individuals can do. Thus, the intellectual property industry provides the opportunities for the people to create, but piracy does not allow them to thrive,” he said.
“But then they are a very important point, the hackers. Piracy helps hackers win. We all know we want better service from banks and the government. Then to provide that they need to invest in information technology. Get more computerized, but to do that they open up themselves to be hacked. The key thing the hacker does is to get into the companies’ or government’s computing power.
“But due to their inability of invest in huge technologies they offer the general consumers free something to download; they use that tool to compromise the security codes in your computer. Millions of people download this software. Then the hacker has access to millions of computers to use and perpetuate crimes. So, the broth-force empowers them to work. By then the consumer has helped the hacker to continue to do destructive things,” he maintained.
He said, “On top of that, people will not be able to properly use their PCs. Over 60% of PC users will be affected this year, because they are not aware what goes on underneath. But all of us have roles to play in educating the consumers”.
On her part, the Rita Amuchinwe, supply manager, HP, Anglophone Africa, said from the suppliers view (the Inks and toners), as HP producers, “We have very big issue in that area. Specifically, we have been taking practical steps to eradicate this. We have been talking to the press, running campaigns, provided solutions to it. Presently, it has been cut down to a very low number.”
To tackle the issue, Amuchinwa said that HP had invented a product authentication platform called QR CODE, which enables smartphone users at the point of purchase to authenticate the originality 0f the products.
“For those with feature phones or laptop users, they can download the application and whenever they go to the retailer, they will able to go the website through the code to authenticate,” she added.
She regretted that buying fake toners and other IT gadgets have caused consumers havoc in the recent past.
“It can damage the printer and the person automatically loses the manufacturer’s warrantee. We have also identified distributors that people can patronize. On our website we specified their offices and numbers to reach them. Virtually everybody is selling HP, but we are more interested in the consumers getting the right product,” Amuchinwa said.
Prior to the entrance of the Microsoft in Nigeria Africa’s second-largest economy, there had been a wide spread use of unlicensed Windows software in the country both by private businesses and individuals, however, Microsoft said through it 365 cloud computing solution, the issue is being tackled.
Microsoft Nigeria, through Play it Safe plans to x-ray existing Anti-Piracy laws in Nigeria and their effectiveness, industry collaboration in reducing piracy as well as the need for stronger laws to protect the new crop of developers and their inventions.
Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has expressed concern over the proliferation of unethical advertisements on Meta-owned platforms, including Instagram and Facebook.
The regulator criticised individuals and organisations promoting unverified health claims, warning that such practices endanger public health and violate advertising laws.
In a statement signed by Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, its director-general, ARCON, announced plans to sanction those responsible for these misleading advertisements.
The agency highlighted that many of the claims lack scientific or clinical validation, putting Nigerian consumers at risk.
“Investigations reveal that these products are not certified by relevant regulatory agencies and may be unsafe for use. Advertisers exploit the unregulated nature of online platforms to circulate these unapproved ads,” ARCON stated.
The agency further explained that the ads were neither submitted to nor approved by the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP), a statutory body tasked with ensuring compliance with the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act No. 23 of 2022.
The ASP’s role includes vetting advertisements for ethical standards and adherence to Nigerian laws.
Some of the products include, Hookup Kit Runs Girl Package (It brings only rich and wealthy men to you), Nancy Secret Kayamata (Come and lock ur stubborn clients with us), Extreme Control Set (It comes with attention, love, control/command products to make your man grant your heart desires), Nancy Secret Kayamata (Very effective result is guarantee…) and Big Girls Soap (This is a special product for ladies that are expecting rich men & also favour from them and contractors can use it as well).
Dr. Edheba Trado Medical Centre also made two claims (We specialize in all bones dislocations, fractures, all spinal injuries; and Absolute treatment for all cases of high blood pressure)
While five claims were made by Billz Herbal Wellness (Bring all your ‘gbola’ issues to bills … I can help you get rid of that stubborn infection as well; Na ‘gbola’ wey sweet woman de fight for; Make it stronger, longer and last longer in bed; Meet the infection terminator; and Stop scratching and treat infection).
Jinja Herbal Extracts also has five claims (For treatment of infections, diabetes and others; The solution for all kinds of infections; Stabilises blood sugar level; Don’t let this lucrative opportunity pass by; and Boost your health with our super unique Jinja Herbal Extracts).
As part of efforts to reform the Education sector in Nigeria, the Federal Government has announced the addition of hairstyling, plumbing, GSM repair, makeup and 12 other new trades/new subjects to the basic education curriculum.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) disclosed this in a statement released. The new trades were added to the Basic Education curriculum to boost students’ practical skills and employability.
The subjects include plumbing; tiling and floor works; POP installation; event decoration and management; bakery and confectioneries; hairstyling; makeup; interior design; GSM repairs and satellite/TV antenna installation.
Others are CCTV and intercom installation and maintenance; solar installation and maintenance; garment making; agriculture and processing (including crop production, beekeeping, horticulture and livestock farming like poultry and rabbit rearing), and basic digital literacy (including IT and robotics).
The statement mentioned that the new subjects will take effect from January 2025 for primary and junior secondary students across the country.
Social impact and industry leaders have called on Global Conglomerates, African Businesses, Philanthropies and Foundations meeting in Davos to support the advancement of social progress for African women and Girls.
Speakers from the ‘Reimagining the Business Case for investing in Africa’ Goals House event (21st January 2025) World Economic Forum, Davos, Switzerland pictured together left to right: Professor Myriam Sidibe, Founder and Chief Mission Officer, Brands on a Mission; Sophie Hodder, Director and Pillar Lead, Girl Capital Africa at the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF); The Honourable Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Trade, Investment, and Industry of Nigeria; Paul Polman, Business Leader, climate and equalities campaigner; Nicola Galombik, Executive Director of Yellowwoods and Payal Dalal, Executive VP of Global Programs at the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth
Leaders who attended the two events organised by Brands on a Mission (BoaM), Children’s Investment Finance Foundation (CIFF) and Tiko – a non-profit leveraging technology to transform sexual and reproductive health – emphasised the social and economic advantages that can be won through investment in African women and girls.
BoaM Founder and Chief Mission Officer Professor Myriam Sidibe said, “as a woman and a lifelong advocate for sustainable business practices, I have witnessed the transformative power of investing in Africa’s greatest resource: its girls. They are not only the future of our continent but also the untapped potential that can drive unprecedented economic and social change.”
Investment in women and girls, who make up 50 percent of Africa’s population – makes good business sense with African women and girls driving up to 70 percent of consumer spend and acting as key decision-makers for four out of five products purchased in their households. Protecting the interests of women and girls also protects the interests of economic growth on the African continent.
According to the World Health Organisation, poor access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights services and products is to blame for approximately 73 million induced abortions that take place in Africa while over one million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day. Almost one in three women, across their lifetime have been subjected to physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner, or sexual violence by a non-partner and almost half of all abortions are unsafe.
Professor Sidibe said, “in a rapidly evolving global landscape, businesses are increasingly challenged to find meaningful ways to align profit with purpose. Investing in African girls offers a unique opportunity to bridge this gap. By empowering young women through education, skills development, and access to critical resources, we lay the foundation for vibrant markets, resilient communities, and innovative ecosystems.”
The organisers of the two events held at the Goals House and SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) tent called for a world in which private sector investment in evidence-based, impact-first initiatives in service of African girls and young women is the norm and not the exception.
The World Economic Forum in Davos brings together government, business, and civil society to address key global and regional challenges such as responding to geopolitical shocks, the climate crisis and stimulating growth to improve living standards.
Speakers at the first event held at the Goals House included moderation by Professor Myriam Sidibe, Founder and Chief Mission Officer, Brands on a Mission with speakers including Paul Polman, Business Leader, climate and equalities campaigner; The Honourable Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Trade, Investment, and Industry of Nigeria; Nicola Galombik, Executive Director of Yellowwoods; Payal Dalal, Executive VP of Global Programs at the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth; and Sophie Hodder, Director and Pillar Lead, Girl Capital Africa at the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF).
The second event at the SDG tent included moderation by Professor Myriam Sidibe, Founder and Chief Mission Officer, Brands on a Mission and speakers including Sophie Hodder, Pillar Lead and Director, Girl Capital Africa – Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, President/CEO – One Campaign, Hermann Betten, Chief Corporate Affairs & Communications Officer, Flora Food Group and Benoit Renard, Co-founder & CEO – Tiko.
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