Government Reveals Initiatives to Combat Copyright Infringement in the Creative Sector at Abuja Photo Festival

Table of Contents

• Government Plans to Combat Piracy
• Abuja Photo Festival Overview
• Strengthening the Creative Economy
• Support for Photographers
• Community and Empowerment Through Photography
• Importance of Photography in Society

The Nigerian government has announced initiatives to address the high incidence of piracy and other copyright infringements within the nation's creative sector.

During the opening session of the Abuja Photo Festival on Wednesday, Ayomide Adeagbo, the Special Assistant to the President on Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, stated that the Federal Government is developing new copyright policies to tackle these issues.

The 9th edition of the Abuja Photo Festival will be held from October 29 to 31, 2025, at the Exhibition Pavilion of the Abuja International Conference Centre, attracting over 1,200 photographers.

This year's theme, ‘A World Connected’, focuses on how imagery can foster social reform and tackle societal challenges.

In his remarks, Adeagbo emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring that Nigerian creatives fully benefit from their work.

Regarding efforts to enhance the creative economy, he stated, “The government is actively working on intellectual property policies for creatives in Nigeria, which is crucial. Photography is a significant part of the creative sector.”

“We aim for our creatives and photographers to own their work and maintain control over it. We are already making progress in this area, and soon we will extend these initiatives across Nigeria. Photography can be a vital source of income.”

“The issue of unemployment often stems from a lack of job opportunities. However, with a camera or even a smartphone, individuals can start earning by creating, capturing images, and generating content that is financially rewarding.”

“We want our creatives to remain active and productive, and photography can be a pathway for that.”

He also revealed the government's plans, via the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, to support creative sector practitioners through funding and equipment provision.

According to him, many photographers need assistance to acquire equipment and enhance their skills.

Osaze Efe, the founder of the Abuja Photo Festival, in his welcoming address, noted that the festival serves as a platform for youth empowerment, allowing numerous young photographers to build successful careers in photography.

He remarked, “From the outset, this festival has been about community — a gathering of storytellers, dreamers, and visionaries who utilize the camera as a means to question, document, and envision.”

“Over the past nine years, the Abuja International Photo Festival has evolved into one of Africa’s most significant platforms for visual dialogue — celebrating creativity, encouraging collaboration, and amplifying voices that may otherwise go unheard.”

“We believe that art festivals are not luxuries — they are essential. They are spaces where imagination meets reality, where young individuals gain confidence in their expression, and where society discovers new perspectives of itself. Festivals like this remind us that creativity is not just a form of self-expression — it is also a social investment.”

Efe emphasized the importance of leveraging photography to address social issues.

“This year’s theme, ‘A World Connected,’ is especially relevant. In a world increasingly separated by distance, culture, and ideology, photography stands out as one of the few universal languages — a bridge connecting our shared humanity and our diverse experiences,” he concluded.