THE Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and the National Gallery of Arts (NGA) have agreed to strengthen collaborations to enhance protection, develop appropriate regulatory frameworks, and sustain Nigeria’s visual arts ecosystem.
The agreement was reached during a courtesy visit by the DG, NCC, Dr. John Asein, to the DG, NGA, Mr. Ahmed Bashir Sodangi, at the NGA headquarters in Abuja on, 25th November 2025.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Asein commended the NGA management for the ongoing reappraisal of its mandate aimed at elevating the value of visual arts within the creative sector. He noted that art transcends commerce, describing it as a defining element of national identity. According to him, “there is an urgent need for deliberate and intentional policies to salvage the visual arts sector, mitigate losses, and preserve artistic heritage for future generations.”
He emphasised the need for a national policy on the treatment, embellishment, and protection of artworks displayed in public spaces, particularly iconic works by renowned Nigerian artists such as Bruce Onabrakpeya, Ben Enwonwu and others. Citing artworks displayed at locations such as the National Theatre and other monumental structures, he raised concerns about their preservation and protection.
Dr. Asein underscored the importance of collaboration through knowledge sharing and capacity building for NGA staff. He explained that the proposed training programmes would equip NGA personnel with copyright knowledge relevant to the visual arts sector, thereby supporting policy development, interventions, and collaborative initiatives. He added that similar training would be extended to artists through the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) to enhance their understanding of their rights and business ethics.
Addressing piracy in the visual arts sector, the NCC Boss expressed concern over the indiscriminate sale of pirated artworks by roadside vendors who download images online, reproduce them, and sell them without authorisation. He noted that such practices devalue artists’ rights and undermine the creative economy, stressing the need for a regulatory framework that designates approved areas for the sale of artworks to sanitise the sector.
On digital challenges, Dr. Asein commended the NGA’s digitisation efforts and reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to policing the online space to protect creative works. He highlighted the need to activate the Artists’ Resale Rights provisions under the Copyright Act, noting that the delay has affected Nigerian artists, particularly with respect to reciprocity in international art markets. He disclosed that relevant regulations and policies are being developed in line with global best practices and called for a clear working roadmap between the NCC and NGA, observing that the visual arts sector remains one of the least addressed areas in copyright administration.
In his response, DG, NGA welcomed the NCC delegation and described the visit as timely, noting that there are extensive areas for collaboration between both agencies. He reiterated the importance of the NGA’s mandate in promoting Nigeria’s visual arts and preserving the country’s cultural heritage.
Mr. Sodangi assured that following the reappraisal of the NGA’s mandate under his leadership, the Gallery is committed to doing things differently and fostering a functional partnership with the NCC to protect, promote, and manage artistic resources while adding value to artists and their works.
He disclosed that the NGA has over 2,000 artworks in its National Collection, many of which are currently being digitised to enhance promotion and protect the intellectual property rights of artists. He noted that art has evolved into a significant business, with artworks selling for millions in foreign currencies, stressing that effective protection and management of these resources is critical as the nation seeks to diversify its economy beyond oil.
Contributing, the Director of Curatorial Services, NGA, Dr. Mufu Onifade, called for increased copyright awareness among artists, improved marketing of artworks, and the integration of copyright education into school curricula to deepen appreciation of visual arts.
At the end of the meeting, both agencies agreed to immediately commence the process of developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise areas of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and enforcement.
Amos Abutu
For: Director-General
