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From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The National Copyright Commission (NCC) has vowed to continue to intensify its nationwide anti-piracy operations to disrupt illicit networks while promoting a culture of respect for copyright.
While noting that piracy remains a major threat, undermining legitimate enterprise and eroding the economic value of creative works, the Commission lamented that inadequate distribution systems and limited access to books also constrain the growth of readership.
The Director-General of the NCC, Dr John Asein, disclosed this in a statement to mark the 2026 World Book and Copyright Day.
Asein described the event as an important occasion that underscores the enduring value of books as foundations of knowledge, instruments of cultural preservation, and drivers of national development.
He said the theme for this year’s celebration, “Read Books, Respect Copyright”, is a call on all Nigerians to embrace reading as a lifelong habit while recognising that respect for copyright is essential to sustaining creativity, rewarding authors, and building a vibrant knowledge economy.
The Commission noted that Nigeria’s book industry has evolved significantly from the post-independence emergence of indigenous publishing to today’s dynamic, digitally driven ecosystem.
“Nigerian authors continue to gain global recognition, while publishers are expanding capacity and diversifying content. However, challenges persist. Nigeria’s literary heritage remains a source of pride and global relevance.
“The contributions of our writers underscore a fundamental truth: that intellectual property protection is not only a legal obligation but a strategic necessity for economic growth and cultural sustainability.”
The Commission, therefore, acknowledges with profound appreciation the issuance of the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy, which represents a bold step in repositioning intellectual property as a key driver of Nigeria’s economic transformation.
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The policy provides a roadmap for revamping the book sector for the benefit of authors and publishers.
The policy, which is available to the public at ippolicy.ng, will also provide Nigeria with a more coherent legal and institutional framework for the protection and commercialisation of copyright works.
With stronger enforcement, improved collective management systems, enhanced access to markets, and better integration of digital publishing models, authors will be better positioned to earn from their creativity, expand their readership, and compete globally.
As we celebrate and encourage Nigerians to read, let us also recognise the needs of persons who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print-disabled, for whom access to books remains a significant challenge.
The Commission is committed to advancing equitable access through the effective implementation of the Marrakesh Treaty, as reflected in the Copyright Act, 2022.
The Act already provides for exceptions to facilitate the production and distribution of accessible format copies such as Braille, audio, and digital text.
We will continue to support authorised entities, libraries, educational institutions, and relevant stakeholders to expand the availability of such materials, strengthen accessible publishing standards, and promote inclusive learning environments.
In doing so, we reaffirm that the right to read must extend to all and no one should be excluded from knowledge on account of disability.
We therefore call on students, parents, educators, and book lovers to always respect copyright and to purchase books only from accredited booksellers, authorised distributors, and publishers.
