THE Director-General of Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Dr. John O. Asein has underscored the need for reorientation of Nigerians on patronage of pirated works in order to endure effectiveness of the national antipiracy campaign. mm
The Director-General made this known while presenting a Keynote Paper with the theme; ‘Copyright And Sustainable Growth In The Book Ecosystem: Setting A New Agenda,’ during the 21st edition of Nigeria International Book Fair held from 12th to 14th May 2022 at the Harbour Point Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
According to him, “There is a penchant by most consumers for pirated works even when they are well aware that such works are pirated. This is a major challenge in the fight against piracy. Unlike pharmaceuticals or other products where the dire consequences of consuming the counterfeit is a deterrent, the lure of cheap pirated products makes the fight against piracy even more daunting.”
He added: “One soft intervention that has been agreed upon with publishers is to curb the use of schools and public places as under the radar distribution points for pirated books.”
He suggested that the attack on piracy should be public-private collaboration between the Commission and the stakeholders while educating the public on the economic implications of copyright abuses and their roles as citizens in driving the solutions.
Dr. Asein also told the gathering of book enthusiasts that there were ongoing efforts at amending the Nigerian Copyright Act at the National Assembly, adding that Nigeria would soon get “a modern copyright legislation that adequately protects rights, provides for appropriate exceptions and facilitates the effective administration, regulation and enforcement of copyright in a digital environment”.
He added, “Some of the new issues addressed in the bill include the right of remuneration for some categories of copyright owners, special exceptions for the visually impaired and print-disabled persons, provisions concerning technological protection measures, rights management information, an elaborate enforcement mechanism for online infringement as well as stiffer sanctions for criminal infringements,” the Director-General stated.
He stated further, “The Nigerian Copyright Commission will work with all stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria gets modern copyright legislation that adequately protects rights, provides for appropriate exceptions and facilitates the effective administration, regulation and enforcement of copyright in a digital environment. We are also determined to rebuild a wholesome, functional and dependable copyright system that would restore a book ecosystem that stimulates growth.”
The Director-General explained that the expected new Copyright Act would tame piracy like never before and introduce more protection for right owners, even with technological advancements.
According to him, “The Commission sought to energise the copyright system to considerably improve the living prospects for Nigeria’s authors and creators while facilitating further growth of the country’s core copyright industries and stimulating innovation and investment in new sectors. This was the basis of the new agenda, starting with a new Copyright Bill which has now in Clause 1 set out the following cardinal objectives: protect the rights of authors to ensure just rewards and recognition for their intellectual efforts; provide appropriate limitations and exceptions to guarantee access to creative works; and facilitate Nigeria’s compliance with obligations arising from relevant international copyright treaties and conventions.”
He added, “In addition to the revision of the copyright legislation, the reform process also contemplates a robust implementation strategy to strengthen the capacity of various sectors including the book sector, to penetrate new overseas markets and more effectively leverage Nigeria’s comparative advantages.”
In his welcome address the event’s Chairman, Nigeria Book Fair Trust and CEO of Accessible Publishing Ltd, Mr. Gbadega Adedapo, emphasised the importance of this year’s conference theme; ‘Copyright and Sustainable Growth in the Book Industry: Setting New Agenda’.
He noted, “Book piracy, whether in print or digital form, is costing publishers around the world billions of dollars annually. It creates significant harmful effects throughout the book value chain, hurting publishers, distributors and retailers, authors and even readers… I sincerely believe that if we get it right in the area of copyright, the entire narrative of the book ecosystem will change for good.”
Mr. Adedapo also called on Governments and corporate organisations to assist the book industry to resolve some of the myriad challenges facing it, including expensive production costs and poor funding.
The 21st edition of Nigeria International Book Fair attracted notable guests such as; the Chief Executive Officer, National Library of Nigeria, Prof. Chinwe Victoria Anunobi and Emeritus Prof. Femi Osofisan, amongst others.
Olumide Oduntan,
Assistant Director Public Affairs
For: Director-General