Commission tasks Abuja printers, booksellers, others on compliance with Copyright Act

By Editor

IN line with its renewed commitment to strengthen enforcement operation across the country, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has called on printers, booksellers, copyright related business owners and all stakeholders to uphold the provisions of the Copyright Act and the rules and regulations guiding its operations. Head of Operations of the commission, Mr. Femi Ajala who disclosed this while briefing the press after an inspection, sensitization and compliance exercise around the FCT, Abuja, noted that the exercise was aimed at enlightening stakeholders on the rules of engagement in preparation of an upcoming strategic copyright enforcement action across the country.

According to him, the exercise targeted premises and outlets dealing in copyright materials, revealed widespread breaches of the law and a lack of compliance among businesses. He observed that many printing outfits visited were not keeping registers of their works, as required by Section 48 of the Copyright Act and warned that after the inspections the commission would focus on enforcement, and penalties for infringement will be strictly applied.

“The least we have now is a hundred thousand per copy of the infringing works that are in your possession at the time the Copyright Commission catches you,” the Head of Operations warned, adding, “the commission is not asking them to go out of business, but what the commission is saying is: go by the tenets and the principles guiding your business, so that your business can flourish.”

Mr. Ajala also highlighted the growing trend of online piracy, with significant losses in billions of dollars, noting, “To be honest with you, we can’t put pen to paper on that. It’s unquantifiable because it cuts across. Now, the new trend is even online sales… I can tell you, the loss is in billions of dollars because it cuts across genres.”

The HOD Operations, while stressing the need for transparency and compliance, said the commission is calling on intending pirates, copyright infringing businesses, and the general public to take note of the commission’s efforts in protecting intellectual property rights and desist from all forms of illegal activities, advising, “If you want to deal in books, let us see the books. If it’s stationeries, let us see that it’s stationeries.”

While calling on all to join hands in promoting a culture of respect for creativity and copyright, he gave assurances that the commission remains committed to protecting the rights of creators and ensuring that businesses operate within the law, emphasizing that NCC will continue to intensify efforts to address piracy.

While speaking earlier to the NCC team during the enlightenment exercise at the Commerce Market, Area 1, FCT, Abuja, the Chairman of Printers Association of Nigeria in the market, Mr. Ruben Omenefu, appreciated the commission for coming to enlighten stakeholders in the market, noting that so many printers were ignorant of the provisions of the Copyright Act. Mr. Omenefu, who was joined by other executive members of the Association, urged that commission to return on a scheduled appointment to further enlighten members, with both sides agreeing to hold a planned formal training session.

In all over 20 book outlets, printing outlets and artwork stands in markets, owners were sensitized during the exercise.