The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) have taken down MovieBox.ng, a popular website known for streaming pirated movies, music, and live sports in Nigeria.
MovieBox.ng was officially shut down on July 20, 2025, after investigations revealed the site was part of a wider network using mirror domains to spread illegal content. According to a statement from the NCC’s Director-General, Dr. John Asein, this action marks a big step forward in cracking down on online piracy in the country.
Rights holders in Nigeria’s film, music, and broadcasting industries have welcomed the development. The statement of Dr Asein, NCC Director-General says it all “the MovieBox.ng platform uses multiple mirror domains to access and promote pirated content, with domain histories linked to known piracy operations,” He assured that the NCC is now working to find and block related mirror sites, making it harder for MovieBox.ng to return under a new name.
The NCC credited NiRA for quickly suspending the domain and called for all internet stakeholders, including service providers and platform intermediaries, to act fast when there are takedown requests as required by the Copyright Act of 2022. Dr. Asein emphasized that,“The role of internet stakeholders is crucial in enforcing copyright laws in the digital environment. Collaboration is key to tackling the rising tide of online piracy.”
Digital piracy is a serious issue for creative professionals in Nigeria. A UNESCO report estimates that 50% to 70% of potential income in Nigeria’s film market is lost due to piracy. This not only affects the earnings of artists, actors, and producers but also discourages both local and foreign investors from supporting new projects. Many Nigerian filmmakers find it hard to fund future films because their revenue keeps getting slashed by piracy.
Piracy doesn’t just happen on streaming sites like MovieBox.ng. Messaging apps such as Telegram have also become hotspots for illegal sharing, thanks to their user privacy features and ability to send large files in group chats. Recall, on the 9th of March, 2025, Daily Tech Nigeria reported that, Nigerian actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli called for urgent government intervention to combat rampant piracy on Telegram, which she describes as a growing threat to the survival of Nollywood.
The NCC hopes digital copyright violation will become less attractive in years to come, and that more stakeholders in Nigeria’s digital space will join the fight to protect local creativity and industry.
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