NCC Shuts Down Music.360media, Tunesloaded, Val9ja and Others Over Piracy Allegations
The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has taken down several. NG domains are accused of distributing pirated music and audiovisual content. Platforms such as music.360media.com.ng, tunesloaded.com.ng, and val9ja.com.ng were suspended following allegations of repeated copyright violations.
According to a report by BusinessDay, NCC Director-General John Asein confirmed that the crackdown was initiated after a formal complaint from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI). The enforcement was carried out in partnership with the Nigerian Internet Registration Association (NiRA).
Asein explained that the Commission’s Special Taskforce Against Online Piracy (STOP) verified that the affected websites were “blatantly engaging in copyright infringement” by illegally sharing unlicensed music and audiovisual content owned by both Nigerian and international rights holders.
More Piracy Platforms Taken Offline
In addition to the major platforms, several other.NG domains were also suspended, including:
- toxniaja.com.ng
- medianub.com.ng
- naijalevels.com.ng
- mp3juice.com.ng
The NCC stated that these websites undermine the work of legitimate digital music platforms and deprive creators, producers, and investors of their rightful revenue. The Commission noted that the exercise forms part of its broader enforcement efforts under the Copyright Act, 2022.
Commission Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting Creators
“The Copyright Act empowers the Commission to safeguard creators’ rights and to investigate and curb all forms of online copyright violations across websites, streaming platforms, and digital distribution channels,” Asein said.
He added that the NCC and NiRA remain committed to the swift suspension of any.NG domain found to be aiding piracy, with the goal of fostering a safer and more lawful digital space for Nigeria’s creative economy.
Piracy Remains a Major Threat to Nigeria’s Creative Industry
Digital piracy continues to pose a significant threat to the global music and film sectors, and Nigeria is no exception. The Nigerian film and music industries, among the largest in Africa, lose substantial revenue to unauthorised distribution of copyrighted materials. This damage also discourages investment, as potential backers may hesitate to support content that risks being pirated before generating returns.
In July 2025, the NCC, in collaboration with NiRA, shut down MovieBox.ng, a platform widely known for streaming pirated films, music, and live sports. That move was celebrated as a major milestone in Nigeria’s fight against online piracy.
A Stronger Push Against Digital Piracy
The latest wave of domain suspensions reinforces the NCC’s commitment to aggressively combating piracy. The Commission’s actions signal a continued crackdown aimed at protecting Nigeria’s creative industries and restoring confidence among rights holders and investors.
