John Asein, the director-general, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), has pledged support for the Aba Books and Stationeries Association in its fight against pirated books.

Mr Asein made the pledge when the executives and task force of the Association from Ariaria International Market, Aba, Abia, led by Ugwonwa Ikechukwu, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

The association’s visit aimed at briefing the management of NCC on its efforts to reduce piracy in the market after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations a few months ago.

The D-G said, “I want to thank you for this initiative, and I commend you for your boldness to roll out what you have done and to request further collaboration.

“I am happy that you have taken the lead for many people in the book industry. We see a commitment by the executive members, and that’s where we have to start.

“Our goal in all this is to bring down piracy to a single-digit number. I have gone through your resolutions and report of what you have done since our last meeting, and I think they’re quite commendable, ” Mr Asien said.

He commended the association for organising workshops, seminars and  constant sensitisation on copyright issues in the markets.

According to him, the NCC will set a day for its own sensitisation in a way of endorsing the association’s activities in  Aba.

“I want to assure you that very soon, we will see more anti-piracy devices being used by publishers; I have given the commitment of NCC that once a publisher subscribes to the hologram, we will give the publisher maximum protection.

“Anywhere we find that title, NCC will swing into action to ensure that the hologram and authority of the NCC under the New Copyright Act are not rubbish as well,” he said

The NCC boss explained that after the commission finalised its collaboration strategy with Nigerian Customs Service, it would be easy for those who want to do the business to get their imports cleared in good time.

Earlier, Mr  Ikechukwu, chairman of the association, commended NCC for the opportunity  given the association’s members to function in areas of capacity building to tackle piracy and to renew their strength for greater works ahead.

Mr Ikechukwu said that with the NCC’s  support, the issue of piracy had reduced to the minimum in their market.

He added that many importers had relocated when they discovered that the place was not convenient for them to carry out their illegal activities.

According to him, most book companies can attest to their work with regard to piracy in that area because business is not as usual.

“We come from a real international and want to thank the DG and the whole board members of NCC for empowering us to work effectively in the book industry.

Also speaking, Okere Chigozie, a shareholder, said members of the taskforce carried out all the instructions, which enabled them to be effective in their operation.”

Mr Chigozie added that the taskforce recorded improvements and feats in the area of stopping the importation of pirated works.

“We have also organised a seminar in the market where people were enlightened about the copyright law, making them aware of the consequences of their action as regards piracy.

“The publishers are getting higher patronage; the Ariaria International Market is opened for inspection periodically by NCC in order to create more synergy and collaboration.

(NAN)