NCC reiterates commitment to tackle piracy, protect authors’ rights in Kaduna

Commission vows to strengthen enforcement and public education

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to intensify efforts against piracy and ensure the full protection of the rights of authors, artists, and other creative professionals across the country.

The pledge was made during a sensitisation and stakeholder engagement programme organised by the NCC in Kaduna State on Monday. The event brought together writers, musicians, publishers, and representatives of creative associations to discuss the persistent challenge of intellectual property theft in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the NCC, Dr. John O. Asein, said the commission remains fully dedicated to safeguarding the interests of Nigeria’s creative industry through enhanced enforcement, policy reform, and public enlightenment.

“Piracy continues to undermine our economy, discourage creativity, and deprive hardworking creators of their due rewards. The NCC will not relent in its mission to ensure that authors and inventors enjoy the fruits of their labour,” Asein stated.

Creative industry losing billions to piracy

The NCC boss lamented that Nigeria’s creative sector continues to lose billions of naira annually to piracy and other forms of copyright infringement. He noted that the commission has recorded several breakthroughs in recent years through strategic collaborations with law enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders.

According to him, the commission’s anti-piracy task forces have been strengthened nationwide, with particular attention given to digital platforms where much of the modern copyright violations occur.

“We are expanding our operations to tackle not just physical piracy but also online infringements. We are also working closely with the Nigeria Police, Customs, and the National Film and Video Censors Board to ensure that offenders face the full weight of the law,” Asein added.

He emphasised that the NCC’s goal is to make creative work profitable and sustainable by ensuring that intellectual property rights are respected and enforced.

Authors, musicians, and publishers call for stronger collaboration

Participants at the Kaduna engagement session praised the NCC’s renewed efforts but urged the federal government to provide additional funding and logistical support to the commission.

Mr. Ibrahim Gambo, a Kaduna-based author, said piracy had crippled the publishing sector, discouraging young writers and content creators from pursuing their passion.

“Many of us spend years writing books only to see them photocopied and sold on the streets at ridiculous prices. Without stronger enforcement and public education, our creative future is at risk,” Gambo said.

Similarly, Mrs. Grace Yakubu, a musician and member of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN), called for closer collaboration between the NCC and local guilds to ensure that artists receive royalties and protection from exploitation.

NCC launches new awareness campaign in the North

As part of its ongoing initiative to combat piracy, the NCC also launched a copyright awareness campaign targeting secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and local markets across northern Nigeria.

The campaign, themed “Respect Creativity, Reward Originality,” aims to educate the public on the value of intellectual property and the long-term harm caused by piracy.

Dr. Asein disclosed that the Kaduna sensitisation programme was part of a broader effort to decentralise the commission’s operations and bring its enforcement closer to local communities.

“We are taking the message to every corner of Nigeria. From schools to markets, from radio to digital platforms, our campaign is about changing the mindset — that creativity deserves respect and protection,” he said.

Call for legislative support and technology-driven monitoring

The NCC also urged lawmakers to review and strengthen Nigeria’s copyright laws in line with modern technological realities. Dr. Asein explained that many existing legal provisions were enacted before the digital revolution, making enforcement more challenging.

He revealed that the commission is already developing a digital copyright registration platform to make it easier for creators to register their works, monitor usage, and report infringement in real time.

“Technology is changing how creative content is produced, shared, and consumed. Our laws must evolve to match these realities,” he noted.

The event concluded with a pledge by creative industry stakeholders to support the NCC’s campaign and promote lawful consumption of creative works.

Dr. Asein reaffirmed that the NCC would continue to work with all levels of government, security agencies, and the private sector to build a future where creativity thrives free from exploitation.

“Protecting authors’ rights is not just about law enforcement — it’s about protecting our culture, our ideas, and the economic growth of Nigeria,” he concluded.