The Impact of Digital Streaming Platforms on Copyright Protection in Nigeria's Entertainment Industry

Digital streaming platforms have transformed the production, distribution and consumption of music, films and other creative works in Nigeria. Services such as music-streaming applications, video-on-demand platforms and user-generated-content websites enable Nigerian creators to reach audiences beyond national borders, create new revenue opportunities and reduce dependence on physical distribution. At the same time, digital transmission has intensified copyright challenges, including unauthorised uploading, stream-ripping, account sharing, unlicensed use of musical works in short-form videos, manipulation of ownership metadata, inadequate royalty reporting and the difficulty of identifying anonymous infringers operating across jurisdictions. This article examines the impact of digital streaming platforms on copyright protection in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, with particular attention to the Copyright Act 2022, the institutional role of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, licensing arrangements, collective management and available remedies. It adopts a doctrinal method, analysing relevant legislation, international copyright principles and selected judicial authorities, while using illustrative industry scenarios to explain practical problems. The article argues that streaming technology is not inherently hostile to copyright: licensed platforms can improve access, trace usage and support royalty collection. However, these benefits depend on transparent contracts, accurate rights metadata, effective notice-and-takedown procedures, reliable reporting, accessible dispute resolution and meaningful enforcement against persistent infringers. Nigeria’s legal framework provides important foundations, but enforcement and market practice must respond to the speed, scale and cross-border nature of online infringement. The article recommends stronger platform cooperation with rights holders and regulators, clearer licensing and royalty terms, improved digital evidence capacity, enhanced creator education and proportionate remedies that protect copyright without unnecessarily restricting lawful quotation, criticism, parody or other permitted uses