The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has achieved a significant feat in combating piracy by intercepting three shipping containers containing 3000 cartons of pirated books at Onne Port, Rivers State, with an estimated market value exceeding N300 million.
Dr John Asein, the commission’s Director-General, disclosed this during a press statement.
He said the intercepted containers housed pirated books from esteemed Nigerian publishers, including Africana First, Bounty Press, Evans, Learn Africa, Macmillan, Metropolitan, and University Press Plc.
Asein provided insight into the changing strategies used by pirates, pointing out a sharp increase in the importation of Asian pirated books.
He underlined how daring these pirates are, working as spies for overseas printers and aggressively looking for economic opportunities inside Nigeria.
The Director-General highlighted the challenges faced in identifying pirated materials, as many imported books from Asia now rival their original counterparts in quality.
”These pirates engage in deceptive practices, including the compromise of imports and falsification of documentation, to evade enforcement agencies’ scrutiny,” he stated.
To address the illicit activities, Asein stressed the importance of enhanced collaboration between the NCC and enforcement partners like the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Department of State Services (DSS).
”Additionally, we are implementing stricter measures, including an online pre-import certification scheme, to stem the influx of pirated materials into the country,” he added.
Asein warned importers, clearing agents, booksellers, and warehouse owners to exercise due diligence and adhere to proper documentation procedures.
He said the NCC is committed to holding individuals possessing pirated books accountable for their actions, bolstering enforcement efforts against copyright piracy.
Responding to inquiries regarding the fate of the seized books, Emeka Ogbonna, NCC Director Legal, stated that the main suspects behind the importation are yet to be apprehended.
”However, the commission is actively collaborating with security agencies to effect their arrest and initiate legal proceedings.
”Ultimately, the court will determine the appropriate disposition of the seized materials, whether through destruction or return to genuine owners, upon conclusion of the trial,” Ogbonna said.