REPRONIG calls for stringent copyright enforcement amidst infringment concerns
By Godwin Okondo
REPRODUCTION Rights Society of Nigeria (REPRONIG) has called for stringent enforcement of copyright laws and increased awareness around intellectual property protection, warning that persistent infringement—particularly in the digital age—poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s creative and knowledge economy. In a statement issued in Ibadan on today, April 23, 2026, to commemorate World Book and Copyright Day 2026, the Collective Management Organisation (CMO) for printed materials, reaffirmed its mandate to protect the secondary rights of authors, publishers and other content creators while ensuring they receive fair compensation for the use and reproduction of their works.
The annual event, observed globally under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), celebrates books as vital tools for education, cultural preservation and human advancement while also drawing attention to the necessity of copyright protection. REPRONIG noted that this year’s theme resonates strongly in Nigeria, a country with a long-standing and globally recognised literary tradition.
Chairman of REPRONIG, Gbadega Adedapo, described books as more than physical objects, calling them “the architecture of civilisation” and instruments through which societies document their histories, challenge injustice and inspire progress. He emphasised that when literary and artistic works are reproduced without authorisation, creators suffer not only financial loss but also a loss of recognition and dignity.
The organisation highlighted Nigeria’s rich literary heritage, referencing iconic figures such as Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, JP Clark and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, whose works have shaped global understanding of African narratives. It stressed that protecting contemporary creators is essential to sustaining this legacy.
REPRONIG also outlined its role as Nigeria’s authorised collective management organisation for text and image works, operating under the supervision of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and in alignment with the International Federation of International Reproduction Rights Organisations (FIRRO). Through bilateral agreements with similar bodies worldwide, the organisation ensures that Nigerian creators are compensated when their works are reproduced internationally, while also licensing the use of foreign works within Nigeria in compliance with global copyright standards.
According to the statement, REPRONIG has begun distributing royalties through key professional bodies, including the Association of Nigerian Authors and the Nigerian Publishers Association, marking a significant step in its efforts to deliver tangible benefits to rights holders. It added that a nationwide licensing drive targeting educational institutions, government agencies and corporate organisations is ongoing.
A cross section of board of directors and participants with the Chairman, Mr. Gbadega Adedapo (second left, sitting) at the last REPRONIG awareness campaign… in Ibadan
Despite these gains, the society expressed concern over the widespread nature of copyright violations across the country. It cited the routine photocopying of textbooks, unauthorised scanning and sharing of academic materials via platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram, and the commercial exploitation of images and artworks without proper attribution or compensation. It warned that the rapid expansion of digital technologies has lowered the barriers to infringement, making the problem more pervasive and damaging.
REPRONIG therefore called on the Federal Government, particularly the National Universities Commission and the Ministry of Education, to enforce copyright compliance through regular audits in schools and higher institutions. It also urged corporate organisations to embrace licensing not merely as a regulatory requirement but as an ethical obligation to support the creative sector.
The organisation further addressed young and emerging creators across Nigeria, encouraging writers, researchers, illustrators and visual artists to formalise their participation in the copyright ecosystem by joining recognised professional associations and registering their works. It assured them of continued advocacy and protection, stressing that a thriving creative industry depends on the collective strength of its participants.
Looking ahead, REPRONIG outlined a series of strategic commitments for 2026 and beyond, including the expansion of its rights-holder database, intensified public education campaigns on copyright compliance, and deeper engagement with digital platforms such as e-learning services and online publishers. It also pledged to advocate for a more robust and modern copyright legal framework capable of addressing the realities of the digital era.
In addition, the organisation said it would strengthen partnerships with international bodies to ensure Nigerian literary and artistic works are respected and fairly remunerated across global markets.
The statement concluded with a message of solidarity with the global literary community and a renewed call for collective responsibility in protecting intellectual property. It emphasised that the sustainability of Nigeria’s creative and intellectual landscape depends on recognising and respecting the rights of those who produce knowledge and cultural content, noting that when creators are protected and rewarded, the entire society benefits.
