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The Nigerian Copyright Commission is calling attention to the disturbing rise in book piracy nationwide, stressing the importance of robust countermeasures to safeguard intellectual property, support creative industries, and protect Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
On Sunday, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) Director-General Dr. John Asein revealed alarming findings from recent inspections, exposing widespread involvement of educational institutions, e-commerce sites, and brick-and-mortar bookstores in the distribution of counterfeit materials.
Director-General Asein pointed to a disturbing uptick in domestic printing operations churning out counterfeit books, emphasizing the complicity of importers and transporters in facilitating these illegal enterprises.
“Following recent inspections and anti-piracy operations across the country, the Nigerian Copyright Commission has noticed disturbing trends in the distribution of pirated books through schools, online sales outlets and traditional bookstores.
“The commission has also noticed a rise in the local printing of pirated books and the illicit activities of importers, sales representatives and road transporters who deal in pirated books,” the DG revealed.
He stressed that under the Copyright Act of 2022, reproducing, importing, selling, or distributing infringing works is a serious offence, punishable by hefty fines and imprisonment with no upper limits, adding that copyright officers are now empowered to enter premises without a warrant and to arrest individuals involved in piracy.
“It is an offence under the Copyright Act, 2022 to reproduce, import, sell, distribute, or have infringing copies of a copyrighted work. It is also an offence to aid and abet criminal copyright infringement.
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“Punishments under the Act are now significantly stiffer with no upper limit to the amount of fine or term of imprisonment that may be imposed.
“Copyright officers are vested with the powers and privileges of Police Officers and may, without a warrant, enter any premises (including schools and stores) used for infringing activities. They may also effect the arrest of persons and seal up premises connected with piracy.
“Convicted offenders may forfeit infringing materials and properties which are found to be proceeds of a copyright offence may be forfeited,” he explained
He added that a particular point of concern is the involvement of some schools, which have been sourcing books from known piracy hotspots for sale to students, as he stated that the commission would hold such institutions accountable for any pirated materials found on their premises.
Asein urged schools to purchase books directly from accredited publishers or reputable distributors.
He noted, “It is particularly disturbing that some schools source books from well-known piracy hotspots and printers for sale to their students.
“The commission will henceforth treat such schools as booksellers and hold them accountable for any pirated books found in their premises or the possession of their students.
