In a bid to safeguard the Nigerian creative industry, leadership of the Audio Visual Rights Society of Nigeria, AVRS, raided three Hotels in Abuja with operatives of Police Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), and some top Nollywood actors in its battle against copyright infringement.
This was disclosed by the AVRS Chairman, Mr. Mahmood Ali-Balogun, in a statement by AVRS Consultant, Dr. Chinedu Chukwuji, titled: ‘AVRS Intensifies Battle Against Copyright Infringement: A Resolute Mission to Safeguard the Rights of Nigerian Creators, Our Utmost Priority’.
It states that the well-coordinated campaign was reinforced by scores of AVRS members, including notable stakeholders such as Monalisa Chinda, Ejike Asiegbu, Segun Arinze, and Francis Duru, among others.
This is in line with the federal government’s resolve to raise billions of dollars from both foreign and local investments through the creative industry.
It reads in part: “AVRS in a robust and strategic alliance with the Nigerian Police Force from the FCID and the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), respectively represented by SP Olutola Ogunyemi and CO, Mr. Kunle Olatunji, conducted a targeted visit to three prominent Abuja-based hotels: Fraser Suites, Abuja Continental Hotel, and Stratton Hotels, accused of copyright theft and unauthorized use of audiovisual works belonging to thousands of AVRS members.
“The infringement visits were conducted professionally, as AVRS representatives met with the respective hotels’ management. Firm commitments were extracted from the infringers to comply with the copyright law and regulations and ensure their facilities remain compliant.
“The hotels were also reminded of their obligations under the Nigerian Copyright Act to secure appropriate public performance licenses to use audiovisual works within their premises.
“At the Fraser Suites, the enforcement team met with the General Manager, Goncalo Ramos, the Operations Manager, Nikhil Mypalli, and the Director of Corporate Services, Haroun Audu.
“They pleaded with the AVRS team for forgiveness and assured that they would take necessary actions to remedy the past wrongs and ensure full compliance moving forward. Similar repentant reactions were observed at the two other hotels visited in the FCT. Both establishments promised to address their past and implement an accountable process to ensure continued compliance moving forward.
AVRS Chairman reaffirmed the society’s unwavering commitment, saying, “As creators and investors in the audiovisual sector, our works represent not just our talents but our livelihoods. The continuous and criminal disregard for copyright laws by certain hotels and establishments violates the copyright and related rights of thousands of Nigerian actors and filmmakers.
“This visit is a reminder that audiovisual works are properties, just like physical assets, and must be respected. The AVRS is unwavering in its commitment to ensuring that rights holders are fairly compensated for the public use of their works. Compliance with the law is not optional—it is a responsibility,” he added.
For Monalisa Chinda, a grade A actor and AVRS director, she emphasized the importance of compliance, adding, “Our works fuel the entertainment industry, providing value to hotels and establishments that use them to entertain their guests.
“It is only fair that those benefiting from these works should pay for their use. Compliance with copyright laws is not just about following rules; it is about recognizing and respecting the effort and creativity that go into making these films. Our intellectual property deserves the same respect as any other property,” she said.
Ejike Asiegbu, another AVRS director and legendary actor, echoed the importance of licensing, remarks. His words: “Businesses must understand that intellectual property is a form of property. Hotels that utilize our work to enhance their services should ensure they obtain the necessary licenses. By doing so, they support the creative industry and ensure the sector’s sustainability. It is about fairness—if you use someone’s work, you must compensate them.”
An AVRS member and legendary actor, Segun Arinze, highlighted the broader economic impact of such enforcement, stating, “The creative industry is a significant contributor to Nigeria’s economy, but when rights are infringed upon, creators lose out. Hotels must realize that audiovisual works are not free-for-all. There are legal frameworks in place, and compliance is a must. Paying for these works is not just a legal obligation but a way of supporting the industry’s growth that entertains millions.”
Another renowned actor and prominent member of AVRS, Francis Duru, called for equitable practices, saying, “Our industry thrives on the fair exchange of value. Just as hotels charge for their services, creators must be paid to use their works. It is a partnership—when the hotels comply with copyright laws, they are investing in the future of the entertainment industry. Without respect for intellectual property, there can be no growth.”
AVRS, the sole collective management organization (CMO) approved by NCC to administer public performance rights in audiovisual works across Nigeria, remains committed to protecting its members’ rights by enforcing licensing regulations.
AVRS ensures that creators of audiovisual works receive due compensation for the public use of their works in hotels and other establishments across the country.
With this visit, AVRS aims to address hotels’ continuous copyright infringement and send a clear message that copyright theft will not be tolerated and the rights of audiovisual creators must be respected. This action is part of a broader initiative to enforce copyright compliance and protect the livelihood of AVRS members.
The organization emphasizes its readiness to continue these efforts, with more enforcement actions planned to cover other regions as part of its mission to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s copyright laws and ensure fair remuneration for rights holders.
AVRS is dedicated to safeguarding the rights of audiovisual content creators, ensuring that they receive equitable remuneration for the use of their works in public venues.
