Don Pedro Aganbi, a respected film curator, asserts that technological advancements hold significant promise in tackling the persistent issue of online piracy.
Despite the emergence of popular streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and indigenous platforms like IROKOtv, piracy continues to plague Nollywood for a variety of reasons.
In a recent discussion with Scoops, Aganbi emphasized that innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence and other digital tools, can serve as effective measures to curb the growing menace of piracy.
“Technology offers powerful solutions to the piracy challenge in Nigeria. Techniques such as digital watermarking, content fingerprinting, and blockchain-enabled copyright tracking empower creators to trace the distribution of their content accurately. AI systems can also scan and identify unauthorized copies across social networks, websites, and peer-to-peer sharing services in real time,” he explained.
“Furthermore, partnerships between local internet service providers and telecom companies can facilitate the blocking of piracy websites or slow down illegal downloads. Nevertheless, these technological interventions must be backed by robust legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms, areas where Nigeria still faces significant hurdles. Without comprehensive policy reforms and collaboration between the public and private sectors, technology alone cannot eradicate piracy,” Aganbi added.
While acknowledging that piracy cannot be entirely eliminated either in Nigeria or globally, Aganbi believes it can be substantially mitigated and better controlled.
He advocates for a comprehensive strategy that includes enhancing access to affordable, legitimate content, raising public awareness about the consequences of piracy, strengthening enforcement efforts, and utilizing cutting-edge technology for detection and prevention.
“For Nigeria to make meaningful progress, investment in digital infrastructure and the cultivation of a thriving digital economy are essential. This environment would enable content creators to flourish without the constant threat of exploitation. Although piracy may never be completely eradicated, its prevalence and impact can be significantly diminished through a coordinated national initiative led by the Nigerian Copyright Commission,” he concluded.
Addressing the factors fueling the rise of piracy, Aganbi pointed out that uneven internet access across Nigeria remains a major barrier, with many citizens lacking reliable or affordable broadband connections.
This digital divide restricts the reach of legitimate streaming services, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions.
He also highlighted that the high cost of data relative to average incomes drives many consumers toward pirated content, which often requires less bandwidth or can be accessed offline. Additionally, weak enforcement of intellectual property laws has prevented filmmakers from recouping their investments. “Pirated DVDs and unauthorized online downloads are frequently distributed openly, with minimal fear of legal repercussions. Moreover, some consumers are unaware that they are accessing pirated material, underscoring the need for better public education on content rights,” he noted.
“Streaming platforms have indeed expanded access, especially among urban and middle-class Nigerians who can afford smartphones and data plans. Affordable subscription models, such as Netflix’s mobile-only option and Showmax’s budget-friendly packages, have made legal content more accessible to certain demographics,” Aganbi observed.
“However, for millions living below the poverty line or in areas with limited connectivity, these services remain out of reach. Until economic conditions and digital infrastructure improve in tandem, streaming platforms alone will not eradicate the demand for pirated content,” he concluded.
