Barr. Isioma Idigbe Highlights Nollywood’s Piracy Issue as a Distribution Challenge
Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood, has long been regarded as one of the continent’s most vibrant creative sectors. Known for its vast storytelling potential, Nollywood contributes significantly to Africa’s cultural identity and economy. However, the industry’s growth is hindered by a persistent issue: piracy. While piracy is often seen as a threat, Barrister Isioma Idigbe, Partner at Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors, argues that it shows a deeper problem—Nollywood’s lack of robust distribution infrastructure.
At the recent African Film Finance Forum (AFFF) held in Lagos, Idigbe explained that piracy is not simply a criminal issue, but a sign of unfulfilled demand. “Piracy proves there is demand; the issue lies in supply,” Idigbe said. The Nigerian market’s appetite for Nollywood content is clear, but without adequate distribution channels, the industry is unable to fully capitalize on this demand. This limitation, according to Idigbe, prevents Nollywood from reaching its full economic potential.
Industry leaders at the forum also discussed how the advent of streaming platforms had initially sparked excitement for Nollywood, but their recent pullback revealed the weaknesses of over-relying on digital distribution models. Moses Babatope, CEO of NILE Group, pointed out that while streaming platforms are a significant force, they cannot replace traditional distribution channels like cinemas. “We got carried away by the streaming bubble,” Babatope said, reminding the audience that cinemas remain the cornerstone of sustainable film industries worldwide.
Despite the challenges, Babatope highlighted Nollywood’s resilience. The Nigerian box office has been experiencing steady growth, even in the face of economic difficulties. He projected that in 2024, the industry would generate between N12 billion and N13 billion in box office revenue, with over 55% of this coming from local films. This, he believes, marks a historic milestone, but for Nollywood to maintain this momentum, more localized cinema solutions are needed to reach underserved audiences across Nigeria. Babatope proposed leveraging community centers and youth clubs to make cinema more accessible and affordable.
The panelists at the forum agreed that Nollywood’s future relies on a balanced approach to funding—one that places equal emphasis on both production and distribution. Ben Murray-Bruce, Founder of the Silverbird Group, stressed the need for increased government support to further fuel Nollywood’s growth. According to Murray-Bruce, the film industry should be treated like any other critical value chain, akin to manufacturing, which requires sustainable funding. “If the government can fund non-performing refineries, it can certainly invest in an industry with a return on investment potential,” he said, urging financial institutions to prioritize cinema funding.
Mary Ephraim-Egbas, convener of the AFFF, echoed these calls for collaboration between the entertainment industry and the financial sector. She also highlighted the role of telecom companies in expanding Nollywood’s distribution channels, emphasizing that such partnerships could play a significant role in combating piracy and bridging gaps in Nollywood’s value chain. “The African film industry generates over $20 billion annually, employing thousands of people,” Ephraim-Egbas stated, stressing that now is the time to unlock Nollywood’s full potential.
In closing, Idigbe drew comparisons between Nigeria’s challenges and those faced by Brazil and South Africa, where foreign content dominates. Despite these obstacles, she expressed optimism, suggesting that Nigeria has the opportunity to become a global hub for international film production. “We have the talent, the audience, and the demand,” she said. “What we need now is an ecosystem that supports distribution, making it easier for Nigerians to access and enjoy local content while ensuring that investors see meaningful returns.”
By addressing the supply-side challenges highlighted by piracy, Nollywood can transform from a regional powerhouse to a global leader in the entertainment industry, fulfilling its immense potential.
