The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has raised alarms over the increasing distribution of pirated books throughout the country. In a statement released on Sunday, NCC Director-General Dr. John Asein reported that recent inspections have revealed schools, online sales platforms, and traditional bookstores are involved in the sale of counterfeit materials.
Asein noted a troubling rise in the local printing of pirated books and pointed to the complicity of importers and transporters in these illegal activities.
Under the Copyright Act of 2022, reproducing, importing, selling, or distributing infringing works is considered a serious offense, punishable by significant fines and imprisonment without upper limits. Asein emphasised that copyright officers are now empowered to enter premises without a warrant and arrest individuals involved in piracy.
One major concern is the involvement of some schools, which have reportedly sourced books from known piracy hotspots for sale to students. Asein warned that such institutions would be held accountable for any pirated materials found on their premises. He urged schools to purchase books directly from accredited publishers or reputable distributors.
The advisory serves as a warning to all stakeholders in the book trade, including publishers, printers, and booksellers, urging them to remain vigilant and avoid complicity in piracy. Parents and guardians are encouraged to report suspected piracy cases to the NCC or law enforcement agencies.
In a recent operation, the NCC arrested eight individuals for selling pirated books and sealed their shops at the popular Sapon booksellers’ hub in Sango Ota, Ogun State, reaffirming its commitment to combating copyright infringement in collaboration with security agencies like the Nigeria Police and Nigeria Customs Service.