NIGERIAN Copyright Commission (NCC) is set to collaborate with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations (IFRRO), to revitalize the Reproduction Rights Society of Nigeria (REPRONIG), the Collective Management Organisation (CMO) for literary works in Nigeria.
The initiative is aimed at promoting copyright protection, addressing challenges facing REPRONIG, including institutional resistance, low support from relevant agencies, institutions, internal governance, management and other issues.
The decision was disclosed at the webinar on Licensing of Reprographic and Similar Reproduction in Higher Education Institutions organised by IFRRO, WIPO, NCC and REPRONIG on 10th September 2025, with the organisations expressing their resolve to support REPRONIG.
Delivering the keynote address at the event, the Director-General NCC, Dr. John Asein emphasised the importance of Copyright in educational Institutions and the role of REPRONIG in balancing access to knowledge with the rights of authors and publishers. He assured that the NCC is always ready to assist CMOs regain balance in carrying out their mandates.
While noting the challenges faced by REPRONIG over years, he noted that REPRONIG must be equipped to become fully functional in sanitizing the system and supporting authors, publishers, and all stakeholders under its mandate.
“The NCC has in the past assisted CMOs, including REPRONIG, to regain balance and chart their path to recovery. We are happy to do that again by providing technical assistance, facilitating donor support, training, and promoting capacity building for REPRONIG. However, members of REPRONIG must demonstrate a serious commitment to rebuilding their organization. I dare say that publishers and authors must rise to this call.”
He observed that it is not acceptable that despite the number of higher institutions in the country, REPRONIG only has one licensed Institution at the moment. “With over 300 Universities, 183 Polytechnics, 227 Monotechnics and 248 Colleges of Education, there is no reason why REPRONIG should not be able to generate enough to make a difference in the lives of authors, publishers and other stakeholders in the literary sector” he stated.
Appealing to IFRRO, WIPO and other International partners to join the NCC in recommitting to the rebirth of REPRONIG, he said, “the Copyright Act 2022 has given us the tool, what remains is the will to make REPRONIG succeed in recommitting to the special attention needed’’. REPRONIG must rise again to deliver the dividends of copyright and collective management to the tertiary community starting from tertiary higher institutions” Dr. Asein stressed.
The DG NCC, commended the Ojaja University for recently obtaining license from REPRONIG and gave assurances that the NCC will work with the institution in strengthening the use of Intellectual Property (IP) and promoting copyright licensing system. He urged all Educational Institutions to be proactive in embedding licensing mechanism and respect for copyright into higher educational system in Nigeria to ensure better understanding, fair reward for authors, publishers and the development of educational structures.
Dr. Asein explained that the provisions of section 23 and 24 of the Copyright Act 2022 provides stronger framework and foundation for REPRONIG to bounce back and give the country sustainable solutions to the challenges of reprography and other forms of digital reproduction of copyright protected works. He emphasized the need for REPRONIG to sensitize and educate users, especially in tertiary institutions, and to uphold accountability, good governance, and transparency in all its dealings.
To achieve the desired result, DG-NCC stressed that “REPRONIG must work closely with regulators such as the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) to promote respect for copyright; make holding a reprographic license a condition for the accreditation of tertiary institutions; engage with government at all levels to mainstream copyright into national and institutional policies”.
He further noted that REPRONIG must also “expand its membership base to strengthen representation; uphold accountability, good governance and transparency; address emerging technologies and new learning platforms; and deepen engagement with users and the general public”.
He explained that the revitalization of REPRONIG is expected to have a positive impact on the educational and literary sector in Nigeria, making learning materials more accessible and affordable to lecturers and students, supporting the publishing industry, digital education, E-libraries, provide funding and promoting research and publications, as a partner in growing the educational system.
Speaking at the event, Vice-Chancellor Ojaja University, Kwara State, Prof. Jeleel Ojuade reaffirmed the commitment of the Institution to the REPRONIG licensing system, noting that Ojaja University recognizes that knowledge thrives in an environment where creativity is respected and IP is safe guarded.
He encouraged Vice-Chancellors and Managements of Higher Institutions of learning in Nigeria to embrace Copyright Licensing agreements with REPRONIG “ by signing copyright licensing agreements you are not only protecting the rights of creators but also investing in the future of education and innovation in Nigeria”, He called stakeholders to work together in building a system where education and creativity thrives.
Also at the meeting were the Chairman REPRONIG, Mr. Gbadega Adedapo; C.E.O and Secretary General IFRRO, Ms. Anita Huss-Ekerhult; former president, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Dr. Wale Okediran and several other stakeholders from the Academia and the literary sector. Resource persons at the meeting include: Executive Director, CopyGhana, Mr. Joseph Gyamfi; Legal and Program Officer, WIPO, Ms. Miyuki Monroig.
Moderating the meeting, Consultant to WIPO and IFRRO Mr. Olav Stokkmo, expressed optimism that REPRONIG will begin to perform optimally and called on Tertiary Institutions to identify with the REPRONIG licensing system.
The webinar had over 80 participants from within and outside the country.
Mary A. Adegbile
For: DG-NCC
