The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) says it is deploying digital technology to ensure an effective campaign against piracy.

The director-general, John Asien, made the disclosure in Uyo on Tuesday at an event to commemorate the 2026 World Intellectual Property Day (WIPD).

WIPD is celebrated annually on April 26.

Represented by Cornelia Ibanga, the NCC coordinator in Akwa Ibom, Mr Asien said that the move would be achieved through collaborations with relevant national tech-based institutions.

The DG stated that unauthorised streaming of live sports content had continued to undermine legitimate markets and investments.

“NCC has intensified its enforcement efforts to combat digital piracy and related infringements.

“Leveraging the provisions of the Copyright Act, 2022, the commission is deploying modern enforcement mechanisms to address illegal streaming, cable piracy and unauthorised public exhibition.

“These enforcement actions are situated within the broader framework of the national intellectual property and strategy,” he said.

He further said that the strategy was a comprehensive roadmap that aligned with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Mr Asien said that the policy would provide a well-structured approach toward strengthening the generation, protection and commercialisation of intellectual property across key sectors.

The DG said that Nigerian youths had continued to demonstrate exceptional talent and global competitiveness, which should translate into sustainable economic outcomes through the effective use of intellectual property.

He urged Nigerian youths to acquire knowledge of intellectual property rights and position themselves within the industry to commercialise their ideas and talents.

In her remarks, Enobong Etuk, staff adviser for the Intellectual Property Society, University of Uyo Chapter, said that the celebration of WIPD resonated with the institution’s resolve to establish a physical intellectual property society office.

Ms Etuk said that beyond academic property and innovation, sports could boost youth engagement and self-reliance.

(NAN)