The Nigerian Copyright Commission has shut down seven websites that were illegally sharing Nigerian movies as film piracy continues to grow with the rise of online streaming.

Lynda Alphaeus, who heads the NCC’s Lagos office, made this known during a webinar organized by Greychapel Legal on protecting Nollywood content online. The event brought together filmmakers, government officials, lawyers, and media experts to discuss how to stop content theft.

Alphaeus said the Commission has created a special team called the STOP Unit to fight piracy on the internet. She also explained that Nigeria’s new Copyright Act now gives the NCC power to block websites that share stolen content.

The NCC boss advised Nollywood filmmakers to use modern technology to protect their work. These include special codes that prevent copying, blockchain to prove ownership, digital marks to track stolen videos, and secure online storage with backup copies. She said that while filmmakers don’t have to register their work by law, doing so makes it easier to prove ownership in court and fight pirates. She urged creators to learn about copyright protection as part of running their business.

Film director, James Omokwe said streaming platforms have helped Nollywood reach more viewers and make money, but they have also made it easier for thieves to steal and share movies illegally.

Also, media expert, Solafunmi Laelle warned that when filmmakers lose control of their movies through piracy or bad contracts, they also lose important information about their audience that could help them earn more money.

Entertainment lawyer Nky Ofeimun said many filmmakers don’t understand how quickly their movies can be copied and shared illegally once they lose control of them. She advised creators to carefully read and understand their contracts.

All speakers agreed that as Nollywood grows online, pirates will find new ways to steal content. The industry must respond with better technology, stronger contracts, and more education about copyright.

However, the Commission is also running campaigns in markets and schools to teach people about copyright laws and why they matter.