IN line with its renewed commitment to sanitising the copyright ecosystem and strengthening rights protection and reward systems, the Management of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), conducted a special Copyright Enlightenment and Compliance Inspection exercise across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on ,13th November 2025.
The exercise, led by the Director-General, Dr. John Asein, involved Directors and Heads of Departments from the Commission’s Headquarters, was aimed at sensitising copyright-related businesses and institutions on the rules and regulations governing their operations, while calling on stakeholders to desist from all forms of illegal and infringing practices.
Addressing NCC operatives and members of the press prior to the exercise, Dr. Asein stated that the initiative was designed to promote awareness, encourage voluntary compliance and ensure that operators within the copyright value chain conduct their businesses in line with the provisions of the Copyright Act and other relevant regulations. He warned that the sensitisation and inspection exercise would be followed by proactive enforcement operations nationwide, stressing that defaulters would be prosecuted accordingly.
The Enlightenment and Compliance Inspection was executed by three teams, each headed by a Director and supported by Heads of Departments and other staff members. The teams visited schools and bookshops, inspected records of book purchases and educated stakeholders on the importance of stocking original books, maintaining proper records, patronising authorised distributors and shunning pirated materials.
Team One, led by the Director, Nigerian Copyright Academy (NCA), Mrs. Funmi Adewale, covered the Karu, Nyanya, and Jikwoyi axis, with visits to Skillpath International Academy, Karu; Prime Scholar School, Karu; Paddy Success Bookshop, Jikwoyi; Cherryfield College, Jikwoyi; Government Secondary School (GSS), Karu; and Government Day Secondary School, Karu.
Team Two, headed by the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS), Mr. Collins Nweke, conducted inspections at GSS Pyakasa; GSS Jabi; GSS Gwarimpa; GSS Wuse; and Karimu Market, Abuja.
Team Three, led by the Director, Public Affairs, Mrs. Ijeoma Egbunike, visited Genesis Bookshop, Garki Abuja; Goodday Bookshop Garki Abuja; Government Secondary School, Garki Abuja; Himnet Bookshop, AMAC Market, Lugbe Abuja and Victory Bookshop, AMAC Market, Lugbe Abuja.
Speaking at the conclusion of the exercise, Mrs. Funmi Adewale urged stakeholders to actively support the Commission’s efforts by seeking clarification where necessary and ensuring full compliance with the provisions of the Copyright Act, as well as rules and regulations guiding copyright-related businesses.
The NCC reiterated its resolve to continue engaging stakeholders through education and awareness, while deploying firm enforcement measures to curb piracy and protect the rights of creators and copyright owners across Nigeria.
Mary Avoswahi Adegbile
For: Director-General
