Addressing a distinguished audience of actors, directors, producers, and key industry stakeholders, the Governor emphasized that the artistic brilliance on display throughout the evening would only be meaningful if backed by a sustainable economic framework that protects intellectual property.Sanwo-Olu, who has been a vocal supporter of the creative arts in Lagos, Nigeria’s entertainment hub.
The Governor centered his address on the urgent need to fight against copyright infringement."All of the great work you're all doing will amount to nothing if we let piracy take the shine out of all of this," Governor Sanwo-Olu stated emphatically.His message was clear: creativity must equate to fair financial compensation for the creators.
"We need to kill piracy in whatever form or shape because we want you all to be economically sound to have the full economic benefit of your sweat."
The Governor noted that while much progress has been made in elevating the quality and global reach of Nollywood, the full potential of the industry remains untapped due to the persistent threat of piracy, which drains potential revenue from legitimate businesses and independent artists.
To combat this, he offered an unambiguous commitment of government action. "And we haven't started yet, and I want to give you a commitment that for us in Lagos state government, we will continue to give you the support," he promised.
This declaration of intent from the highest level of Lagos state governance was seen as a significant moment for the industry. Many filmmakers present expressed hope that this high-profile pledge would translate into more rigorous anti-piracy enforcement, better collaborative frameworks between the government and creative guilds, and the establishment of dedicated resources to fight physical and digital copyright theft.
The Governor’s address at AMVCA 2026 solidifies Lagos's position as a forward-thinking creative capital and sets a clear mandate for the industry: protect the art, and maximize its economic impact
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