The Nigerian Copyright Fee (NCC) has not too long ago made a major seizure, intercepting three transport containers laden with 3000 cartons of pirated books at Onne Port, Rivers State value about N300 million.
Dr. John Asein, the Director-Basic of the fee, revealed this improvement in a press assertion launched to the general public.
In keeping with Asein, the intercepted containers, with an estimated market worth exceeding N300 million, contained pirated books belonging to distinguished Nigerian publishers, together with Africana First, Bounty Press, Evans, Be taught Africa, Macmillan, Metropolitan, and College Press Plc. This seizure reveals the persistent menace of piracy going through the nation’s publishing business.
What he mentioned
Asein highlighted the evolving techniques employed by pirates, noting a surge within the importation of pirated books from Asia. He emphasised the audacity of those pirates, who, appearing as brokers of international printers, actively search enterprise alternatives inside Nigeria.
- “Our most important headache was with domestically printed books that are straightforward to establish resulting from their poor manufacturing high quality.
- “However, we’ve got since, seen a surge within the importation of pirated books, particularly from Asia with high quality, competing with their originals.
- “Many of those pirates who’re brokers of international printers now have the audacity to come back into Nigeria to scout for companies.
- “Generally they share lists of their pirated inventory with potential clients in Nigeria by means of rogue networks.
- “In some instances, the imports are compromised, and the documentations doctored to deceive enforcement businesses,” he mentioned.
Addressing the challenges posed by these illicit actions, Asein said the necessity for enhanced collaboration between the NCC and enforcement companions, such because the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Division of State Providers (DSS). He emphasised the fee’s dedication to implementing stricter measures, together with the introduction of an internet pre-import certification scheme, to curb the inflow of pirated supplies into the nation.
What you need to know
Moreover, Asein issued a stern warning to importers, clearing brokers, booksellers, and warehouse house owners, urging them to train due diligence and cling to correct documentation procedures. He emphasised the fee’s resolve to carry people present in possession of pirated books accountable for his or her actions, reaffirming the strengthened enforcement drive towards copyright piracy.
In response to queries relating to the destiny of the seized books, Emeka Ogbonna, NCC Director Authorized, revealed that the primary suspects behind the importation had but to be apprehended. Nevertheless, the fee is actively collaborating with safety businesses to impact their arrest and provoke authorized proceedings. Finally, the courtroom will decide the suitable disposition of the seized supplies, whether or not by means of destruction or return to real house owners, upon conclusion of the trial.
