The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) conducted a series of raids on bookshops in Uyo, seizing pirated books valued at over N23million. This operation is part of the NCC's ongoing efforts to combat piracy and enforce copyright laws across the nation.
The targeted bookshops included AB Achison Bookshop, God’s Own Bookshop, Academic Needs Bookshop, Zion Bookshop, and POP Bookshop in Abak, Akwa Ibom. The Director General of the NCC, John Asein, underscored the significance of this operation, stating, “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.”
Among the confiscated items were educational texts from major publishers such as Evans, UPL, Lantern, Longman, TONAD, and Pearson. Specific titles seized included "Basic Civic Education" by Merry Ukaegbu, "New Further Mathematics" by T.R. Moses, and "Essential Christian Religious Study for Senior Secondary Schools" by Orovwuje B.O and Okolie E.U.
Mr. Asein, represented by Deputy Director of Operations Macfoy Akachukwu during the raid, emphasized the commission's zero-tolerance policy towards piracy. He remarked, “It is our duty to ensure that authors get rewards for their creative work. I have, under my watch, zero tolerance for piracy and infringement of Copyright Laws.”
The NCC plans to charge the suspects involved to court, aiming to set a precedent and deter future infringements. Mr. Asein also called for public support, urging citizens to provide credible information that could aid in the fight against piracy.
This crackdown follows previous successful operations, including a raid that recovered N7million worth of counterfeit academic publications. The NCC's initiatives are crucial in ensuring that the creative industry can contribute meaningfully to Nigeria's economic growth.
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