On Wednesday, the Federal Government reiterated its dedication to enhancing intellectual property rights to ensure Nigerian content creators receive fair compensation for their work.
Speaking at the first National Conference of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters in Abuja, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, assured content creators that the government remains committed to strengthening intellectual property protection.
The conference, themed “Broadcasting and the Political Economy of Content Production in the Digital Age: The Nigerian Perspective,” was organized in partnership with the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria.
“As a government, we will continue to reinforce intellectual property rights to guarantee that content creators are adequately compensated for their contributions,” Idris stated, through the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Press Council, Dili Ezughah.
He further explained that regulatory bodies like the National Broadcasting Commission and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria have been restructured to promote and enforce the consumption of local content in Nigeria, with the goal of empowering citizens and creating job opportunities for the youth.
Idris highlighted the rapidly evolving nature of broadcasting due to technological advancements, which have expanded both the reach of broadcasters and the variety of content production and consumption.
He pointed to the rise of digital platforms such as social media, streaming services, and podcasts as significant developments that have democratized content creation.
Nigeria’s content industry, he noted, is one of the most dynamic in Africa, with Nollywood ranking as the second-largest film industry globally and Nigerian musicians achieving international success.
“The proliferation of digital platforms, including social media, streaming services, and podcasts, has democratized content creation, allowing more voices to be heard,” Idris said. “Nigeria’s content industry is the most vibrant in Africa, with Nollywood ranked as the world’s second-largest film industry and our musicians making a global impact.”
The minister also revealed that the government is reviewing missed opportunities related to the country’s digital switch-over, which is expected to create more platforms for young Nigerians to showcase their talents.
Idris reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to advancing democracy through comprehensive reforms aimed at creating jobs, reducing poverty, improving infrastructure, and promoting inclusive governance.
BON Chairman, Salihu Dembos, emphasized that the conference’s theme was timely, considering the rapid technological changes and shifting audience behaviors.
He encouraged delegates to actively participate in addressing the challenges facing the broadcast industry.
“As broadcasters, we must navigate these challenges, and this conference provides an opportunity to discuss this crucial topic.
We hope participants will leave with valuable insights to improve both the broadcast industry and society as a whole,” Dembos said.
Yemisi Bamgbose, National Coordinator of the SNB, underscored the historical significance of the conference, which aimed to unite media professionals across Nigeria after more than 60 years without a formal professional body for the industry.
In his keynote address, Channels Media Group CEO Dr. John Momoh stressed the importance of maintaining editorial integrity in the digital era.
He emphasized that broadcasting continues to play a vital role in shaping public opinion and driving societal change.
