NCC Nigeria Copyright Commission Confiscates N10bn Worth of Pirated Materials
Chris Nkwocha, Director of Lagos Zone, Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC), revealed that the commission seized pirated materials worth ten billion Naira over the past six years.
Mr. Afam Ezekude, NCC Director-General, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that hawkers selling pirated movies lost their goods to enforcement operations. “Over the last six and a half years, we removed pirated items from markets and shops valued at over 10 billion Naira,” he said.
Ezekude emphasized that the commission has improved enforcement and prosecutions. “The creative industry should notice these changes,” he added.
The NCC also plans to strengthen its fight against piracy. Ezekude said, “We are fine-tuning the draft copyright bill at the Attorney General’s office. Once it becomes law, it will encourage creativity and reduce piracy on the internet.”
Nkwocha described pirates as economic saboteurs. “Section 38, sub-section 5 of the Nigeria Copyright Law gives copyright inspectors the same powers as the Police Act. This allows us to investigate and prosecute copyright offenders,” he explained.
He highlighted the commission’s court achievements. “We have secured over 50 convictions. Currently, around 173 cases, including that of the Alaba King of Pirates, are in various competent courts,” Nkwocha said.
The NCC remains committed to protecting creators, boosting the economy, and eliminating piracy in Nigeria.
