Piracy: NCC warns booksellers as fake publications threaten creative economy

The Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) has cautioned booksellers and publishers against trading in pirated publications, warning that the practice is undermining the country’s economy and discouraging authors from producing intellectual works.

The NCC Director-General, Dr. John Asein, issued the warning in Akure, the Ondo State capital, during a copyright awareness programme.

It was organised for publishers and booksellers from Ondo and Ekiti States.

Represented by the Oyo State Commandant of the commission, Oluropo Oke, Asein urged booksellers to familiarise themselves with copyright regulations and ensure that all publications in their possession were obtained through lawful channels.

He said the circulation of pirated books deprived writers and publishers of legitimate income while creating room for inferior and unauthorised materials to flood the market.

He said: “Piracy has serious consequences for the economy because it deprives creators of the rewards for their intellectual efforts and encourages the production and circulation of substandard books.”

The NCC boss stressed that the unauthorised purchase, sale, distribution, importation or storage of copyrighted books amounted to infringement, warning that offenders would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

He advised booksellers to source their stock only from recognised publishers, accredited distributors, and trusted suppliers, adding that the commission and copyright owners could be contacted whenever the authenticity of a publication was in doubt.

Asein further disclosed that offenders could have pirated materials confiscated and face prosecution, noting that penalties could apply to individual copies. 

He also warned against obstructing NCC officials during inspections, saying such conduct could attract additional sanctions.

He urged stakeholders and members of the public to support legitimate authors and publishers by buying original books, describing respect for copyright as both a legal responsibility and a way of strengthening Nigeria’s creative industry.

The President of the Ondo State Booksellers Association, Idowu Olumuyiwa, commended the NCC for the initiative, saying the training would improve members’ understanding of piracy and help them avoid unknowingly dealing in illegal publications.

Ade Philips