The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has pledged to intensify enforcement against book piracy across Anambra and Delta states to protect publishers and strengthen the publishing industry.
The State Commandant, Mr Peter Edokobi, gave the assurance on Wednesday during a working visit to the headquarters of Noble Resources Ltd., a publishing outfit in Onitsha, Anambra.
Edokobi, who led the commission’s delegation, said the command would deploy all available resources to reduce piracy to the barest minimum across its jurisdiction.
He called on business owners, distributors and members of the public to support the commission by complying with copyright laws and providing useful information on suspected piracy activities.
He said the fight against piracy required collective action, particularly from stakeholders in the creative and business sectors.
Edokobi also pledged sustained engagement with businesses and relevant organisations to promote awareness of copyright laws and strengthen efforts to protect intellectual property.
During the visit, he expressed satisfaction with the company’s production facilities following an inspection of its various operational sections.
The Managing Director of Noble Resources Ltd., Mr Patrick Amaukwu, commended the commission for its efforts to revive the publishing industry, which he said was being undermined by the activities of book pirates.
Amaukwu welcomed the recent leadership change in the Anambra Command, describing the commission’s interventions as critical to the survival and growth of publishing businesses.
He also commended the Director-General of the commission, Dr John Asein, for his vision and commitment to building a sustainable publishing industry in Nigeria.
Amaukwu pledged the company’s full cooperation with the NCC, promising to collaborate with other stakeholders on intelligence gathering and timely information sharing to support enforcement operations.
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He disclosed that the company, which has branches across the country, employs workers across 44 categories and operates modern production machinery.
The managing director, however, identified excessive taxation by the state government and persistent book piracy as major challenges affecting the industry’s growth and profitability.
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