The Nigerian Copyright Commission, NCC, says it is deploying modern enforcement mechanisms to address illegal streaming, cable piracy, and unauthorized public exhibitions as part of efforts to combat digital piracy and other related infringements on Intellectual Property.
The Director General of the NCC, Dr. John Asein, stated this during an event organized by the Commission to mark the 2026 World Intellectual Property, IP Day, with the theme title IP and Sport Ready. Set. Innovate held on Tuesday, 28 April at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Dr. Asein, who was represented by the Director, NCC Port Harcourt Directorate Office, Mr. Abdusalami Babatunde, noted that the policy provides a structural approach to strengthening the generation, protection, and commercialization of intellectual property across key sectors, including sports.
” The move is part of efforts to combat digital piracy and other related infringements, leveraging the provisions of the Copyright Act of 2022. The enforcement actions are situated within the broader framework of the National Intellectual Property Policy and strategy, which is a comprehensive roadmap aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the federal government,” he said.
The NCC boss urged Nigerian youth to take deliberate steps to harness the opportunities in Intellectual Property and stressed that the success of the policy largely depends not only on the institutional framework but also on the active participation of citizens, particularly the young people who are its primary beneficiaries.
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‘I encourage the youths to acquire knowledge on IP rights, position themselves within the creative and innovative. ecosysem as well as utilize available frameworks to create, protect, and commercialize their ideas and talents.
” In a global economy increasingly driven by knowledge and content, IP provides a practical pathway for wealth creation, job generation, and National development. Young Nigerians must be empowered to connect their creativity with legal and economic structures that enable value realization.” Dr Asein asserted.
According to Dr. Asein, the commission is committed to promoting a culture of respect for IP, strengthening enforcement against infringement, and supporting policies that enhance Nigeria’s creative and sports industries.
In their separate presentations, a representative of the Nigerian Publishers Association, Mr. Okey Ogbonna, and the Chairperson, Association of Nigerian Authors, Rivers State, Mrs Joy Esuku, called for all hands to be on deck to the Nation’s Intellectual Properties.
Also, a representative of the Nigerian Bar Association, Rita Anwiri-chinda, spoke extensively on the need to seek authorization from the original owner of a work before usage to avoid being sued in court.
On his part, the Deputy Governor of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, PMAN, Mr. Abiye Howells, gave an assurance that PMAN would continue to champion the fight against infringement on Intellectual Property in the country.
