Piracy destroying creative economy
The Nigerian Federal Government has warned that piracy is severely damaging the country’s creative economy. Dr. John Asein, Director‑General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), made these remarks during a sensitization session for teachers in Osogbo, Osun State. Represented by the NCC Ibadan state coordinator, Mrs. Oluropo Oke, Asein highlighted that piracy—from unauthorized copying of textbooks, educational materials, literary works, music, films, to other digital content—both deprives creators of rightful earnings and undermines the quality of creative and educational resources. He emphasized that this illegal duplication and distribution, done without the consent of rights holders and for commercial gain, is a grave violation.
Dr. Asein reiterated that Nigeria’s Copyright Act of 2022 offers legal protection by imposing fines, imprisonment, or both, on anyone who sells or purchases pirated materials. He stressed that combating piracy is not solely the responsibility of the NCC or law enforcement—it requires collective awareness and action, beginning with educators. The session aimed to empower teachers with knowledge about the law to discourage piracy in schools and society at large. Officials, including the state Director of Curriculum and education leaders, urged proprietors to buy genuine works and sought further collaboration to enforce authors’ rights.
