Veteran actress, Kate Henshaw and ace filmmaker, Omoni Oboli, want the Federal Government to accelerate the fight against piracy to enable the creative sector contribute more to the country’s economy.
Henshaw and Oboli both gave the charge during a panel discussion in a teleconference (Webinar), on Tuesday evening.
The teleconference was organised by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), and the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC).
It was to commemorate ‘the entry into force’ of the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances, adopted on June 24, 2012.
The event was titled: “Strengthening Nigeria’s Creative Sector through Improved Rights for Artistes and Performers.”
According to Oboli, it is expedient that the Federal Government take urgent steps towards effectively addressing emerging copyright infringements, particularly at this digital age.
“This is a sector that can stop Nigeria from going into recession as oil has failed, but the government needs to protect it.
“Piracy is our major problem, because if my rights are abused as a producer, I am not going to give my best while the pirates make the bulk of money.
“We are doing better than before, but we are not making enough money from our works because the current copyright laws do not capture the digital platforms.
“Almost every week, I have to write Youtube to take my movie down; unfortunately, most of these movies are yet to be released, but they are already available online for free.
“This treaty is great, and if it is signed into law, the producers and all stakeholders will be happy,” Oboli said.
Henshaw, on her part, said that the Beijing Treaty was a timely intervention for the creative sector, and therefore commended the NCC for championing its enforcement.
“This is a treaty that its time has come because we have waited so long for an efficient intellectual property right management system.
“We need this law to go to the National Assembly as soon as possible, and we also urge the Judiciary to effectively do its part,” the veteran actress said.
Other stakeholders at the event included Mr Oluwatobiloba Moody, Programme Officer, WIPO Nigeria Office, Mr. Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Chairman, Audio Visual Rights Society of Nigeria and Ms. Carole Croella, Senior Counsellor, Copyright Law Division, WIPO.