By David Akinmola
In a significant move to combat digital piracy, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in collaboration with the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) has shut down the popular streaming site, MovieBox.ng, over alleged copyright violations and unauthorized distribution of movies and TV content.
The takedown of MovieBox.ng, one of the most accessed piracy websites in Nigeria, marks a renewed effort by regulatory authorities to enforce intellectual property rights and sanitize the country’s fast-growing digital entertainment landscape.
According to a statement from the NCC, the joint operation was part of a broader campaign to curb the proliferation of illegal content distribution platforms that deny content creators, filmmakers, and rights owners their due revenue. The commission said the site was found to be streaming both local and international films without licenses, in direct violation of Nigeria’s copyright laws and domain registration regulations.
“The NCC is committed to protecting the integrity of the digital space and ensuring that innovation and creativity are rewarded through proper legal channels,” said Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC. “Piracy not only hurts the creators but also stifles growth in our entertainment and telecoms sectors.”
NiRA, which manages the .ng domain registry, confirmed that the domain was taken down following due process and in line with the provisions of Nigeria’s Domain Name Policy.
“We will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure that the .ng domain space is not used as a haven for illegal activities,” said Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, President of NiRA. “Operators of such platforms must understand that the law is catching up with digital offenders.”
Industry experts have welcomed the move, describing it as long overdue in the fight against intellectual property theft in Nigeria’s burgeoning creative industry.
“The closure of MovieBox.ng sends a strong message,” said Uduak Oduok, a media lawyer and advocate for creative rights. “Piracy is a parasite on the Nigerian film industry. It discourages investment and robs content producers of income. Regulatory clampdowns like this are essential for the industry’s survival.”
The Nigerian film industry, popularly known as Nollywood, is the second-largest employer in the country and generates billions of naira annually. However, piracy has long plagued its potential, with estimates suggesting that over 70 percent of Nollywood films are illegally distributed.
The NCC and NiRA said they will continue working with law enforcement, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), and private sector partners to identify and dismantle other rogue platforms.
Filmmakers and copyright holders have also been urged to report piracy and collaborate more closely with digital enforcement bodies.
As the digital economy expands, stakeholders say the protection of intellectual property must keep pace to ensure Nigeria reaps the full economic benefits of its creative talents.
