The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has seized pirated books valued at over N5.7 million during an anti-piracy operation in schools across Enugu State.
The operation was part of the commission’s ongoing efforts to combat the widespread issue of book piracy in the state.
Speaking about the raid, Mrs. Ngozi Okeke, Director of the NCC’s Enugu Office, revealed that the commission targeted several schools that were involved in the distribution of pirated textbooks.
She explained that these schools stocked the illegal books in their bookstores, ready for distribution to unsuspecting students.
“The value of the confiscated pirated books is N5.7 million,” Okeke stated.
According to her, the NCC strategically timed the operation to coincide with the book season, a period when pirated book activity peaks in schools across the state.
“We took the opportunity of the book season when the activities of the pirates are high to monitor, inspect, and carry out anti-piracy operations on some of the schools who engage in patronizing pirates,” she said.
Some of the textbooks seized during the operation include popular titles such as *Ugo C. Ugo English and Mathematics Series* and *New School Physics and Chemistry for Secondary Schools* by Africana First Publishing Company.
These pirated books, sourced from various publishing companies, were being sold by schools, further highlighting the extent of piracy within the educational system.
“What we have done is part of the commission’s mandate to protect and promote the rights of authors and other genuine investors in the copyright book industry,” Okeke explained.
She emphasized the importance of safeguarding intellectual property rights, stating that the NCC’s mission is to ensure that authors are rewarded for their creative work.
“It is our duty to ensure that authors get rewards for their creative endeavor,” she added.
The director acknowledged that piracy not only hurts the economy but also undermines the hard work of writers, publishers, and legitimate book distributors.
Okeke noted that under the leadership of the commission’s Director General, Dr. John Asein, the NCC has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards piracy and copyright infringement.
She reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to stamping out the illegal trade of pirated books in Enugu and its surrounding areas.
“The commission is committed to ensuring that activities of pirates are reduced considerably in Enugu State and its environs,” she said.
Piracy, which has long plagued Nigeria’s publishing industry, continues to threaten the livelihood of authors and publishers across the country.
Despite the enforcement of copyright laws, pirates remain active in both urban and rural areas, flooding the market with low-cost counterfeit books.
These illegal books are often of poor quality, both in terms of printing and content, leading to negative consequences for students who rely on them for their education.
By providing schools with pirated textbooks, unscrupulous sellers and buyers undermine the value of education while also perpetuating a culture of intellectual theft.
The NCC’s recent operation in Enugu is a step towards addressing this growing concern.
Mrs. Okeke urged the public to support the NCC’s efforts by reporting suspected piracy activities.
She called for more credible information from the community to enable the commission to tackle piracy effectively.
“Support the commission with credible information that could enable us to tackle the menace of piracy in the state,” she appealed.
The Nigerian Copyright Commission has been active in various states across the country, conducting similar raids and confiscations of pirated goods in an attempt to clamp down on intellectual property theft.
With the rise of digital and physical book piracy, the commission has intensified its efforts to protect Nigeria’s creative industry from further exploitation.
Dr. John Asein, the Director General of the NCC, has continuously emphasized the importance of respecting intellectual property rights in the country.
He has also called on stakeholders, including authors, publishers, and schools, to cooperate with the commission in its fight against piracy.
According to Asein, the NCC’s anti-piracy campaigns are not only aimed at seizing illegal books but also educating the public on the dangers of supporting the pirated book trade.
Piracy poses a serious threat to the Nigerian economy, as it discourages investment in the creative sector and hinders the development of quality educational materials.
In recent years, the Nigerian Copyright Commission has launched several public awareness campaigns, workshops, and training sessions aimed at educating school administrators and booksellers on the need to buy only genuine, copyrighted materials.
Despite these efforts, piracy remains rampant, with many schools continuing to engage in the purchase and distribution of illegal books in an attempt to cut costs.
However, the NCC is determined to root out the pirates and protect the future of Nigeria’s creative industries.
Mrs. Okeke assured authors and publishers that the commission would not relent in its efforts to bring pirates to justice.
