November 5, 2025 – Enugu, Nigeria:
The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has sensitised publishing firms, booksellers, and creative industry stakeholders in Enugu on the provisions and compliance requirements of the Copyright Act.
The awareness campaign, titled “Monitoring, Inspection and Sensitisation of the Printing/Publishing Firms and Booksellers Outlets,” was carried out across key business areas including Edinburgh, Uwani, Ziks Avenue, Agbani Road, Garki Market, and Ogbete Main Market in Enugu.
Speaking during the exercise, the State Coordinator of the NCC, Mr. Okwudili-Macfoy Akachukwu, said the initiative was part of the commission’s commitment to curb the menace of piracy and promote the sale of genuine creative works in line with the Copyright Act.
“The exercise is aimed at monitoring and inspecting bookshops and publishing firms to ensure they conduct their businesses in accordance with the stipulations of the Copyright Act,” Akachukwu stated.
He explained that while several shops were found to be in compliance, others were educated and advised on necessary measures to meet the commission’s standards and avoid sanctions.
According to Akachukwu, the Copyright Act mandates that all printers must maintain a register detailing the title of books produced, the author’s name, year of publication, and quantities printed.
“It is not all the time we go out to raid; today we chose to enlighten stakeholders on the benefits of selling genuine copyright works,” he said, adding that defaulters risk up to six years imprisonment, fines, or both under the Copyright Act.
The NCC team also reviewed invoices and sources of supply during the inspection, urging all book dealers to desist from piracy and support the commission’s drive to uphold intellectual property rights.
Responding, the Chairman of the Enugu Booksellers Association, Mr. Sunday Izuma, commended the NCC for the sensitisation, pledging the association’s readiness to fully comply with the Copyright Act and help eradicate piracy in the state. Visit GMTNewsng for more news.
