The Nigerian Copyright Commission says it is intensifying its anti-piracy drive and enforcing stiffer penalties for copyright infringement and abuse of all literary works in the country.

John Asein, the NCC director-general, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja commemorating World Book and Copyright Day, marked every April 23.

While lamenting piracy cases in the country, Mr Asien added that the new Copyright Act 2022 would improve the author’s rights and address the challenges of digital transmission and online exploitation of works.

“To guarantee adequate return on intellectual and financial investment in all creative sectors, the Commission is intensifying its proactive enforcement initiatives as well as enhancing the collective management of rights,” Mr Asein explained. “Working with various stakeholders and relevant agencies, the Commission has commenced a series of public education and enlightenment campaigns as a prelude to the full-scale national anti-piracy drive.”

He added, “With the stiffer penalties available in the new Act for criminal infractions, the public is therefore advised to desist from all forms of copyright infringements and abuses.”

Mr Asein also called on authors and other stakeholders to join the commission in telling the copyright story and drawing attention to the ills of piracy and other copyright abuses.

He stressed the need to recognise linguistic diversity and the importance of preserving, promoting and encouraging the use of indigenous languages in literature and other creative works in line with the 2023 theme ‘Indigenous Languages!’

“Together, let us, in our literature, music, performances and movies, explore alternative languages and give voice to indigenous communities,” he said.

He explained further that with over 600 indigenous languages, Nigeria has much to offer the world through its indigenous languages and the associated knowledge.

The NCC boss said they had consulted with relevant stakeholders to formulate the needed regulations and guidelines for implementing the act’s provisions on protecting expressions of folklore. 

(NAN)