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Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has to based its strategy against piracy on its
mission statement which clearly define its objective: “
To curb the menace of
corruption that constitute the cog in the wheel of progress; protect national and
foreign investments in the country; imbue the spirit of hard work in the citizenry and
discourage ill-gotten wealth; identify illegally acquired wealth and confiscate it
”. The
EFCC has effectively prosecuted several economic saboteurs, especially the notorious
“419” fraudsters, and has thereby helped restore confidence in the minds of
prospective foreign investors. EFCC is now encouraged to extend this
accomplishment to the IP sector, by similarly targeting the kingpins of the piracy
cartels and dismantling their networks. The frontline of the war on piracy depends
also on the effectiveness of Nigerian Police Force (NPF). They have the widest
network, compared to the other agencies, and could be the most effective at
surveillance and implementation of the anti-piracy agenda. The Police need to be
familiarized with the specifics of the law’s requirements and include the pirated
products in their list of illegal goods. They would also act to demand proper
identification and registration of supposed dealers in IP products. An additional
concern of the police would be to investigate the relationship between dealers of
pirated IP goods, and those of numerous other counterfeit goods, and smuggling
rings.
4.
Creation of an IPR registration center
.
Structure the value chain of the movie industry
5.
Rebrand of Nollywood.
First a packaging and joint marketing company should be
created. This body would capitalize on economies of scale in packaging and
marketing. It would have the scale to be able to market Nigeria’s films and music
overseas. It would also have the benefit of ensuring standardization and quality of the
Nigerian products. Second it should be organized “Red carpet” events would be
publicized and marketed creating increased interest and a higher profile for the film-
makers. This in turn would provide more incentive for higher budget and higher
quality productions. It would also create an enhanced revenue stream for the best
productions.
6.
Improving distribution and marketing network.
At the moment there are few formal
distribution channels open to Nigerian film-makers. There is no established cinema
circuit that caters to Nigerian movies. The few international style cinemas that do
exist in a handful of the country’s major towns cater exclusively to international
movies. Nigerian movies therefore utilize digital media and go straight to DVD and
VCD formats. Without a formal distribution and marketing channel they are unable
to reap the financial benefits of a cinema release.