THE Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has charged stakeholders in the book industry to purchase books only from genuine sources to avoid cases of piracy and other copyright infringements.

This charge was made by the Director, Operations NCC, Mr. Emeka Ogbonna during a stakeholder’s interactive meeting at the Federal Secretariat Complex, Kaduna , 20th September 2024.

Mr. Ogbonna in his address, informed the stakeholders that the session was organised to educate booksellers about copyright laws and the need for decent business engagements during the book season.

The Director noted that the new Copyright Act has stringent penalties for violations while emphasising that ignorance of the law is not an excuse for engaging in piracy. He urged booksellers to purchase books directly from publishers and ensure that receipts are collected for all books procured.

A representative of the Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA), Mr. Emmanuel Oguntoye, commended the NCC for organising the programme and encouraged booksellers to support publishers by avoiding purchase of pirated books. He also informed that the NPA is considering offering discounts to help booksellers.

Chairman of the United Booksellers Association (UBA) in Kaduna, Mr. Nnoruka Chukwuemeka, expressed gratitude to the NCC for the educational initiative. He called for flexibility of policies from publishers to assist booksellers in providing books to schools while assuring that their union is committed to fighting piracy and exposing those who engage in it.

Highlight of the meeting was the question-and-answer session, where the participants were sensitised more about the NCC’s role in fighting piracy.

Others at the event include: Director, Regulatory and Compliance, Mr. Hassan Usman; Special Assistant to the Director-General, NCC on Security, Mr. Mark Agyo; representatives of Nigeria Publishers Association; United Booksellers Association, and Hausa Booksellers Association.

 

Omoyemi Esan