MultiChoice Group has endorsed a new directive by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) reinforcing intellectual property rights and regulations governing the retransmission of television content in Nigeria.
The directive, issued on November 2, 2026, clarifies that access to another broadcasting company’s signal does not automatically give an operator the right to rebroadcast, distribute or commercially exploit its content. It also requires broadcasting operators to obtain the necessary permissions and rights before retransmitting protected audiovisual materials, warning that unauthorised distribution violates intellectual property laws.
In a statement on Tuesday, Kemi Omotosho, chief executive officer of MultiChoice Nigeria, described the NBC’s directive as an important move towards protecting content creators and rights holders while promoting a more organised broadcasting industry.
“The group welcomes the NBC’s efforts to provide greater clarity on content rights and retransmission rules in Nigeria,” Omotosho said. “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.”
MultiChoice said the directive would provide clearer guidance for businesses operating within Nigeria’s broadcasting industry by reinforcing respect for intellectual property rights and promoting fair competition. The company added that the rules would help create a level playing field for legitimate broadcasting operators, preventing businesses from commercially distributing content without obtaining the required authorisation. The development is expected to provide greater protection for individuals and organisations investing in film, television programmes and other audiovisual productions.
According to MultiChoice, a predictable regulatory environment would also encourage investment in locally produced content by giving creators and rights holders greater confidence that their work would be protected against unauthorised use. The company reaffirmed its commitment to protecting intellectual property and supporting the growth of Africa’s creative industries.
It also said it would continue engaging with regulators and other industry stakeholders to promote authorised content distribution and improve the sustainability of the audiovisual sector. The NBC directive comes amid ongoing efforts to strengthen broadcasting regulations and address issues surrounding content ownership, distribution and commercial exploitation in Nigeria.
By clarifying the rights required for retransmission, the commission aims to ensure that broadcasting operators respect existing agreements and obtain proper authorisation before using content belonging to other organisations.
