DIRECTOR-GENERAL, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) Dr. John O. Asein has stressed the need for Legal professionals and stakeholders to churn out well researched, quality publications on the Law, Legal Profession and Intellectual Property (IP) practice in Nigeria.
Dr. Asein stated this while receiving the Executives of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Gwagwalada-FCT Branch who were on a courtesy visit to the Commission, 9th November 2022. He said it was imperative to upgrade the quality of IP Law literatures to international standard to complement the Commission’s efforts to reposition the IP and copyright sectors.
He noted that as stakeholders in the IP sector, lawyers, publishers and others in the book chain, owed a duty to keep building and impacting the profession and related areas of expertise that could make the practice more viable and at par with global best practices.
In his words, “We must do everything we can to improve the literature and particularly in the area of Intellectual Property. If there is anyone of our colleagues that have a flare, we will be more than happy to share experiences.
“We will also get publishers to show more interest in law publishing. We must do everything possible to improve the quality of law publishing in Nigeria and strengthen the tools for the profession.”
Dr. Asein further stressed: “Like in IP, we are dealing with new areas; we have experts but we don’t have enough books that are well written on Nigerian Intellectual Property law. I think we need to see more of that. If you go to other climes, you probably will find dozens of them in their 10th, 20th editions. We know we are not there yet but let us have good books in terms of different aspects of law particularly for our own concern, the IP law and practice.”
Recounting his journey through writing his book, “The Nigerian Legal System” the DG encouraged the NBA members to research and write books that capture aspects of the law and legal profession in a very simple and easy to understand style so as to enlighten the public and students at various levels of learning.
He gave assurances that the Commission would collaborate with the NBA in areas of capacity building, information sharing and professional grooming to make all interested members well-grounded in the practice of IP and copyright in Nigeria.
Speaking earlier, the NBA Chairman, Gwagwalada, FCT Branch, Mr. Emmanuel Tayo Ogunjide, applauded the efforts of the DG and Management of NCC at strengthening the legal framework and policies of the copyright system in Nigeria, stressing that copyright was now in the front burner of socio-economic discourse.
While presenting some of their publications and an Award of Excellence to the DG, he noted that IP and copyright were a major driver of progressive economies and must be promoted, protected and all must work to support its systems.
“What you and your team are doing is so wonderful. A lot has opened up, people are beginning to appreciate IP and copyright more than ever before. Despite the happenings, the activities of the NCC have been excellent. So we deem it fit to come and celebrate you for your excellent service and your contributions to the Legal Profession”, he stressed.
Others at the meeting included: Director, Public Affairs, Mr. Vincent A. Oyefeso; Director, Legal, Mr. Emeka Ogbonna and Chief Copyright Officer, Nigerian Copyright Academy (NCA), Mrs. Tina Huzi, representing Director, NCA. On the NBA entourage were: Secretary, NBA, Gwagwalada Branch, Mr. Hassan Luqman; Financial Secretary, Ms. Tessy Z. Gwary; Publicity Secretary Mr. Richard F. Olusegun; Immediate Past Secretary, Mr. Akachukwu A. Nwoye; Secretary, Continued Legal Education Committee (CLEC), Mr. Hamisu Umar and a Branch member, Mr. Kolawole Solomon.
Mary A. Adegbile
For: Director-General
