The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) plans to implement a minimum documentation standard for booksellers to combat piracy nationwide.
Dr John Asein, NCC’s Director-General, shared this information in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. He mentioned that the documentation initiative, which has already been held in Abuja, will be expanded to other states.
Dr Asein also noted that the commission aims to simplify online registration for booksellers to make the process more accessible. Once the regulation is officially introduced, it will be mandatory for all booksellers in the country.
Remarks From the Director-General of NCC
The NCC Director-General expressed hope that these measures can be implemented by early next year, so that some initiatives will be in place for the upcoming book season. He emphasised that all printers, publishers, and booksellers in the industry will need to meet the commission’s minimum requirements.
The NCC chief also revealed that the commission has initiated steps toward introducing anti-piracy devices, with plans to enforce this through hologram technology. He noted that the rollout will be phased, beginning with a voluntary adoption, and the commission will determine which books may eventually require mandatory holograms.
The commission is exploring various models in discussions with publishers and will handle the procurement and distribution of holograms to them. He also clarified that there will be models enabling publishers to obtain their designated holograms and use them for their own production.
Asein mentioned that a standardised format will be closely monitored, emphasising that every hologram issued will be meticulously documented in their records. This system will facilitate market monitoring, making it easier for copyright officers to carry out their duties and enhancing efforts to combat piracy.
The Director-General urged those involved in piracy to stop, highlighting that piracy ultimately harms, robs, and undermines the work of others. He pointed out that piracy stifles creativity, noting that some authors have left the profession due to the impact of piracy.
Piracy takes away from individuals and investors and damages the economy. He stressed that now is a crucial time for everyone to unite against piracy, as a thriving creative economy cannot be sustained while theft continues to undermine it.
