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From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has secured the suspension of several websites engaged in unauthorised large-scale distribution of copyrighted sound recordings and other creative works.
The suspension of the .ng domains was sequel to a formal request by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) which was carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Internet Registration Association (NIRA).
A statement by the Director of Public Affairs of the Commission, Ijeoma Egbunike, listed the suspended domains as Val9ja.com.ng; tunesloaded.com.ng; voxnaija.com.ng; music.360media.com.ng; medianub.com.ng; naijalevels.com.ng and mp3juice.com.ng.
According to the Commission’s Taskforce against Online Piracy (STOP), the websites were confirmed to be engaging in blatant copyright infringement by illegally sharing unlicensed music and audiovisual works belonging to Nigerians and foreign rights holders.
The NCC said their activities undermined legitimate digital platforms and deprived creators and investors of due revenue.
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It explained that the intervention is part of the Commission’s robust and ongoing enforcement programme under the Copyright Act, 2022, which empowers the NCC to safeguard creators’ rights and to investigate and curb all forms of online copyright violations across websites, streaming platforms, and other digital distribution channels.
“The NCC worked closely with NIRA throughout the process and continues to engage domain registrars to ensure the swift suspension of any .ng domain found to be in breach of the copyright law.
“The Commission remains committed to ensuring a safe, lawful, and thriving digital environment for Nigeria’s creative economy,” the statement reads.
Meanwhile, reaffirming the Commission’s resolve to intensify its online enforcement operations, the Director General of NCC, Dr John Asein, stated that the suspension sends a strong signal that Nigeria will not tolerate digital piracy.
“The Nigerian Copyright Commission remains vigilant and fully prepared to take decisive action against all forms of copyright infringement in order to safeguard Nigeria’s creative space and its digital future,” Asein assured.
