AS the nation enters another book season, Booksellers across Ilorin metropolis have been admonished to patronize only genuine Publishers and Sales representatives.
Acting State Coordinator, llorin office of the Commission, Mrs. Bello Bilikisu made the call during a sensitization and compliance exercise to enlighten booksellers on the negative impacts of piracy, copyright violations and other unethical practices on the Book Ecosystem and the economy in general.
Over six outlets were visited during the exercise, which was organised on 31st August 2023. Some of the shops incude: Alliance Bookshop, Monday Monday Bookshop; First Sunday Bookshop; Sunday Sunday Bookshop; DeBrown Bookshop and Okeyson Bookshop.
Speaking at the various bookshops, Mrs. Bello restated the Commission’s commitment to address piracy and other vices affecting distribution of copyright works in the state and environs.
She advised the booksellers to verify the identity of sales representatives they are dealing with and also ensure that all their transactions are properly documented.
While calling on other stakeholders and the public to support the efforts of the Commission by reporting suspected pirates and outlets to NCC, the acting State Coordinator warned that anyone found culpable will face the fall wrath of the law.
Mrs. Bello, further explained that with penalties now reviewed in the recently signed Copyright Act 2022, there will be no hiding place for pirates and their associates.
The State Coordinator, who was accompanied by a team of Copyright Officers took time to inspect the shops to ensure they that do not stock pirated copies and that their receipts and invoices are authentic.

Josephine Ayeni