By: Ibrahim Sani Gama
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ending copyright piracy and unauthorized book publishing across the country.
The Acting Head of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Kano State Office, Alhaji Sani Ahmed, disclosed this while addressing journalists shortly after an inspection visit by officials from the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The delegation visited several book markets in Church Road, Sabon Gari, and Neja Road areas of Kano metropolis, to assess the level of compliance among book traders and publishing companies.
Alhaji Ahmed explained that the visit aimed to evaluate how book sellers and publishers operate, with a focus on curbing the activities of those engaged in intellectual property theft in Kano and across Nigeria.
“The Commission will not sit idly while some individuals continue to pirate the intellectual works of genuine authors. Such acts are a serious threat to the publishing sector,”— Alhaji Sani Ahmed, Acting Head, NCC Kano Office.
He stressed that the NCC remains fully committed to stopping all forms of book and journal piracy, as well as protecting the intellectual property rights of creative individuals.
Alhaji Ahmed further noted that the Commission would sustain its nationwide inspection exercises to sanitize the publishing industry and protect the creative economy from illegal practices.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Booksellers Association of Kano State, Mr. Peter Chukwukubalu, commended the Commission for the visit, describing it as a timely intervention that would strengthen the fight against piracy.
“This initiative will go a long way in encouraging authors and publishers by ensuring that their creative works are protected from theft and illegal reproduction,”— Mr. Peter Chukwukubalu, Chairman, Booksellers Association of Kano.
He added that the association was already working to identify and discipline individuals found guilty of copyright violations.
In conclusion, Alhaji Ahmed called on governments at all levels to support the publishing industry by establishing special monitoring committees to regularly inspect bookshops and markets. He said such a step would help eliminate piracy and preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s publishing sector.
