The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible, responsive and sustainable access to creative works in the digital environment, in a manner that balances the interests of all stakeholders within the copyright and knowledge ecosystem.

Dr. John Asein, Director-General, NCC, made this known while receiving a delegation from the Wikimedia Nigeria Foundation, led by its President, Mr. Olushola Olaniyan, during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters. The visit was aimed at exploring potential areas of collaboration between the two organisations.

Dr. Asein acknowledged the significant role Wikimedia plays in making knowledge and information widely accessible, while stressing the need for responsible use of copyright-protected works in the digital space.

He noted that although the Commission may not endorse unrestricted open access to all creative works, it supports responsible access that ensures a fair balance between public interest and the rights of creators.

He encouraged Wikimedia, other digital platform operators, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to promote the responsible use of the copyright system to safeguard the interests of rights holders and strengthen the knowledge economy.

Dr. Asein cautioned the public that freely available doesn’t mean that creative works online are all free. “We want to see more people buy into the responsible use of copyright system in the digital space, in a manner that will further edify right owners and keep the knowledge cycles running for the good of all stakeholders” he stressed.

The DG also highlighted the importance of the public domain and assured that the Commission will continue to draw attention to its value, as part of a broader effort to help all parties benefit from the copyright framework. He further briefed the Wikimedia delegation on key provisions of the Copyright Act, 2022, including updates on the NCC’s e-Registration System, copyright duration, compulsory licensing, and the protection of folklore and cultural heritage.

In response, Mr. Olaniyan expressed appreciation to the NCC management and staff for their ongoing work in strengthening Nigeria’s copyright landscape. He reaffirmed Wikimedia Nigeria Foundation’s commitment to supporting the Commission’s efforts to advance and protect the nation’s creative and knowledge economy.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on potential areas of collaboration, including joint copyright awareness campaigns, digital space engagement, and enlightenment training sessions.

The Wikimedia Nigeria Foundation, an affiliate of the Wikimedia Foundation Inc., is dedicated to promoting free knowledge and open access to information by encouraging the creation and dissemination of locally relevant content under open licenses such as Creative Commons.

Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has responded to recent apprehensions suggesting a resurgence of heavy-handed regulation and arbitrary enforcement in the State’s outdoor advertising sector. While acknowledging the concerns, LASAA sought to reaffirm its commitment to regulatory fairness, industry professionalism and the sustainable growth of outdoor advertising in Lagos.

Refuting claims that LASAA intends to “wield the big stick,” the Agency drew attention to its longstanding practice of fostering dialogue and partnership with industry stakeholders.

Prince Fatiu Akiolu, Managing Director of the Agency stated, “The era of mutual suspicion is firmly behind us,” adding that the Agency “regularly convenes stakeholder fora, maintains cordial relationships with industry players, offers concessions such as discounts on vacant billboard charges and seeks stakeholders input before making major policy decisions.”

Prince Akiolu clarified that LASAA does not compete with private operators commercially. Instead, it manages a limited number of state-approved advertising structures primarily reserved to amplify government programmes, public awareness initiatives and regulatory oversight. These, with the Agency’s core mandate focusing on orderliness, public safety, and environmental aesthetics.

He said these efforts aim to serve the broader interests of Lagos residents and reiterated that the Agency’s core mandate remains the enforcement of orderliness, public safety and environmental aesthetics within the state.

On licensing, the Managing Director explained that stringent criteria ensure only qualified practitioners operate in the market. Addressing concerns about billboard oversupply, particularly around military and police formations where illegal structures are common, he noted that LASAA has imposed a moratorium on new registrations and permits since early 2025. “This moratorium intends to uphold industry integrity and elevate professional standards.”

Prince Fatiu explained that, “the Agency’s Health and Safety team actively verifies that outdoor installations meet engineering and safety benchmarks to mitigate risks to life and property.”

He noted that LASAA’s regulatory approach is primarily preventive rather than punitive and relies on monitoring, early warnings and corrective interventions, with enforcement used only when absolutely necessary.

Acknowledging ongoing challenges such as violations of spacing, setback and structural regulations, the MD attributed these mainly to lapses in operator compliance rather than regulatory overreach. He urged stakeholders, including the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) and licensed professionals, to strengthen self-regulation and collaborate in reporting infractions to enhance Lagos’s safety, visual appeal and economic vibrancy.

To prevent a relapse into disorder, LASAA has launched a comprehensive enforcement and cleanup operation targeting unlawful advertising installations to restore urban order and protect public interests. Prince Fatiu stressed the essential role outdoor advertising plays in defining Lagos’s visual identity and called for responsible industry stewardship.

He reiterated LASAA’s commitment to maintaining a balanced regulatory framework that ensures oversight while supporting industry sustainability. This approach aims to create a transparent environment that safeguards investments and enhances the city’s aesthetics.

The Managing Director reassured the public and outdoor advertising professionals that LASAA’s mandate is not to stifle growth or punish legitimate operators but to ensure a fair, regulated and sustainable outdoor advertising sector in Lagos. He reaffirmed his dedication to nurturing an environment that protects investments, safeguards the public and enhances the beauty of Lagos.

Big Brother Naija Season 10 is now in its fourth week, and it’s already been a rollercoaster, packed with unexpected twists, bold new strategies, and all-round entertainment that has kept us glued to our screens.

The season kicked off with 29 housemates, with KayiKunmi, Danboskid, Ibifubara and Otega now evicted and Sabrina making a voluntary exit. Ships have sailed, sunk, and more are on the way. In short, it has been an exciting season of 10/10 drama.

Before stepping into the house, the housemates curated a list of their top shows to watch on Showmax, placing popular Nigerian shows like Tinsel, Princess on a Hill and My Flatmates at the top of their watch list.

Leading the pack is Tinsel. Considered Nigeria’s longest-running drama, the soap opera weaves a story of drama, romance, betrayal, and triumph, all set against the glamorous yet cutthroat world of Nigeria’s film industry. With standout performances from Nollywood veterans like Ireti Doyle, Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, the late Victor Olaotan, and breakout stars like Gideon Okeke and Linda Ejiofor, its spot on the list is incontestable.

Joining Tinsel is the Showmax Original, Princess on a Hill (POAH), a Showmax original that delivers high-stakes drama in a corporate setting. The story follows Zara Osara (Onyinye Odokoro), an underdog who wins a reality show only to find herself thrust into the most powerful boardroom in the country. Tasked with salvaging the very company that gave her fame, Zara must navigate ruthless corporate politics and stand her ground against the merciless CEO, Moyosore Lawson (Bimbo Manuel). It’s thrilling and reminiscent of the drama many Nigerians face in the corporate world.

For a perfect balance between reality and comedy, My Flatmates brings the laughs with a tale centred around four friends navigating adulting, relationships, and rent money in Lagos. Featuring comic heavyweights like Basketmouth, Okey Bakassi, and Buchi, it’s equal parts witty and ridiculous.

While the housemates love their fair share of homegrown dramas, acclaimed international series also made their lists. Sci-fi epics like Dune, with its surreal visuals, and fantasy period dramas like Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon dominated the list as well. Meanwhile, for lovers of unscripted drama, the housemates recommended shows like Nelly & Ashanti, Love Island USA and The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

Even though the housemates are cut off from the world, their taste is reflective of what Nigerians love to watch. From nostalgic classics to hilarious comedy dramas, Showmax has it all and more.