NBC Clarifies Content Retransmission Rules as MultiChoice Backs Copyright Protection in Nigeria
MultiChoice Group, a CANAL+ Company, has welcomed a directive issued by Nigeria’s National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) reaffirming regulations on intellectual property rights and the retransmission of audiovisual content in the country.
The directive, issued on 2 November 2026, reinforces the principle that access to another broadcasting operator’s signal does not automatically grant the right to retransmit or commercially redistribute its content.
It clarifies that broadcasting operators must obtain the necessary rights and authorisations before retransmitting protected audiovisual content, warning that unauthorised retransmission constitutes a violation of intellectual property rights.
Welcoming the development, Kemi Omotosho, CEO of MultiChoice Nigeria, described the NBC’s clarification as an important step towards protecting content creators and rights-holders while promoting a more orderly, transparent and sustainable broadcasting market.
“The Group welcomes the NBC’s efforts to provide greater clarity on content rights and retransmission rules in Nigeria. This clarification is an important step towards strengthening the protection of creators and rights-holders and fostering a well-structured and sustainable audiovisual market.
“A clear and predictable regulatory framework benefits the entire creative ecosystem, supporting investment in local content and creating long-term value for creators, rights-holders, operators and audiences alike,” Omotosho said.
The NBC directive provides important regulatory guidance for Nigeria’s broadcasting industry, reinforcing the need to respect intellectual property rights, encourage fair competition and maintain a level playing field for legitimate broadcasting operators.
The clarification also highlights the importance of obtaining proper licensing and authorisation before distributing or retransmitting protected content, helping to safeguard the commercial interests of content owners and legitimate broadcasters.
Industry stakeholders consider a clear and predictable regulatory environment essential to encouraging investment in local content production, strengthening industry sustainability and creating opportunities for creators, rights-holders, broadcasters and audiences.
For Nigeria’s rapidly evolving audiovisual market, stronger intellectual property protection is particularly important in supporting the growth of the creative economy and ensuring that content creators receive appropriate recognition and value for their work.
MultiChoice Group reaffirmed its commitment to protecting intellectual property rights and supporting the sustainable development of Africa’s creative industries.
The Group also said it would continue working with regulators and industry partners to promote legitimate content distribution and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the audiovisual sector.
The NBC’s directive is expected to reinforce compliance with existing broadcasting and intellectual property rules while encouraging responsible content distribution across Nigeria’s television and audiovisual ecosystem.
