Digital creators demand protection, filmmakers lament naira impact on streaming deals
Nigerian content creator and educator Eric Gugua has condemned the ongoing harassment of digital creators by security agents and called for the introduction of policies that offer genuine protection to online entertainers across the country.
Speaking during the Youth Forum on Channels Television on Thursday, themed “Pressing Issues Affecting Nigeria’s Youth”, Gugua said that despite the growing influence of the creative industry, content creators continue to face threats and intimidation from both local residents and law enforcement while filming.
“In terms of protection, creators go through a lot of stuff. This is a space that is still growing,” he said. “Policies need to come into place that particularly take people in this space into consideration.”
Gugua, known for simplifying complex blockchain and digital concepts, said government support must go beyond rhetoric and be reflected in tangible policies. “A time has to come when we see in the policies that are being made that influencers and digital content creators are people that the government cares about.”
He further added: “When creators go out to shoot content, they are constantly harassed. If it is not from people in the locality, it is from law enforcement [agents].”
Meanwhile, during the same programme, Nollywood filmmaker Niyi Akinmolayan raised concerns about the exit of international streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon from the Nigerian market, blaming it on the devaluation of the naira.
According to Akinmolayan, the sudden pullout has left many filmmakers without expected revenue streams. “We the filmmakers just woke up and saw emails… these aren’t just random companies,” he said. “The government taxes these people. How come the government isn’t even aware of some of these changes?”
He criticized the administration for not cushioning the effects of the withdrawal and failing to engage directly with creators to understand their needs. “Typically, people will make films and they know that there is a revenue stream that is coming down the line but that is gone,” he added.
Akinmolayan emphasized that the decision by streamers to leave was largely economic. “The reason they left was because of the devaluation of the naira and the fact that it didn’t make any sense to be paying the amount they are paying for licences.”
The Youth Forum continues as part of Channels Television’s special programming marking President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office, featuring conversations on education, health, digital innovation, and the creative sector.
