President of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Uche Agbo, has condemned the piracy activities of MovieBox, despite actions taken by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC).
Agbo commended the NCC for its enforcement efforts but emphasised the need for continued vigilance to protect intellectual property in the film industry.
The DGN has been vocal in its support for measures that combat piracy and ensure that creators are compensated for their work. Agbo’s statement reflects the industry’s ongoing battle against unauthorized distribution of content.
The NCC’s director-general, Dr. John Asein, on his part , has stated that the suspension of MovieBox.ng was achieved with support from the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA).
He disclosed that the platform was known for streaming pirated copyrighted materials, including movies, music, and live sports. LEADERSHIP Sunday recalls that the suspension took effect on July 20, 2025.
“This action is part of a broader initiative by the NCC to crack down on online piracy and protect the rights of content creators. Despite the suspension, reports have emerged that MovieBox has attempted to circumvent the ban by moving to a new domain.
The NCC has intensified its efforts to monitor and shut down such operations, collaborating with internet service providers and domain registrars to prevent the resurgence of pirated platforms. “
This is even as the commission has further urged the public to report any suspicious websites offering unauthorized access to copyrighted content.
Meanwhile, industry stakeholders have expressed concern over the persistence of piracy, noting that it undermines the financial viability of the entertainment sector.
They maintained that piracy not only affects filmmakers and artists but also impacts the livelihoods of those working in related industries, such as distribution, marketing, and exhibition.
There is a growing call for stronger legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to address the evolving challenges posed by digital piracy.
The DGN has pledged to continue its advocacy for stricter laws and better enforcement to protect the interests of Nigerian filmmakers.
Agbo highlighted the importance of public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the negative effects of piracy and the value of supporting legitimate platforms. The guild is also exploring partnerships with international organisations to strengthen the global fight against online piracy.
As the battle against piracy continues, the entertainment industry remains hopeful that sustained efforts will lead to a more secure environment for creators and consumers alike. The collaboration between government agencies, industry bodies, and the public is seen as crucial in achieving long-term success in combating digital piracy.
