The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) is set to introduce a new regulatory regime for printers of copyright works as part of efforts to entrench copyright best practices in their operations and curb the activities of pirates.

Director-General of NCC, Mr. John O. Asein, who made this known in Abuja at the weekend, indicated that the measures would help to boost legitimate businesses and strengthen the printing sector of the value chain in the book industry.

At a consultative meeting with a delegation of the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON) at the NCC Headquarters at the weekend, the Director-General explained the need for minimum standards of engagement for professional printers.

According to him, in order to entrench copyright compliance and international best practices in specialised printing, the Commission would partner CIPPON for appropriate oversight, adding: “It is necessary to know who is printing what.”

The Director-General signalled that henceforth, the Commission would invoke its powers under the Copyright Act to sanction any printer that is found to be using its press for criminal activities. He therefore urged printers to carry out due diligence before taking on any jobs and to keep adequate records of their production as required under the Act.

In his remarks, the President of CIPPON, Mr. Olugbemi Malomo assured that CIPPON would support the anti-piracy efforts of the Commission to ensure a sustainable development of the copyright industries.

He stated that CIPPON would willingly share intelligence with the Commission to curb the activities of pirates and facilitate effective regulation of the printing industry to uphold professionalism among its members.

The delegation enlisted the support of the Commission in its ongoing campaign to “Keep Nigerian Printing Jobs in Nigeria”, urging other stakeholders to join in promoting the sustainable development of the Nigerian printing industry.

The Director-General further gave assurance that the Commission would ensure that jobs printed in Nigeria would be well protected.

 

 

Vincent A. Oyefeso

Director, Public Affairs

For: Director-General