Korede Abdullah in Lagos
In a bold move to combat piracy, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) conducted a raid on several bookshops in the Ajegunle Boundary area of Lagos State, seizing pirated books valued at approximately N20 million.
The operation, led by Deputy Director and Head of Operations Mr. Charles Amudipe, was carried out with the support of security personnel.
According to Mrs. Lynda Alphaeus, Director of the Lagos Office, the raid was part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to rid the country of pirated books.
“Piracy has been a major issue affecting publishers, authors, and the economy, and the Commission has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of copyright infringement,” she emphasized.
The NCC targeted five suspected outlets located on Ojora Lane and Calabar Road in the Ajegunle area of Lagos, inspecting several bookshops and storage warehouses suspected of housing pirated books.
Despite some shop owners attempting to resist, the support of security personnel ensured a peaceful operation.
Alphaeus warned booksellers, schools, and printers against any involvement in piracy, stating that it’s a punishable offense.
“Anyone found guilty will face the full extent of the law,” she cautioned.
The Commission has intensified its enforcement efforts against piracy over the past five years and vows to continue identifying and prosecuting those involved, regardless of status or location.
The NCC’s actions demonstrate its commitment to protecting intellectual property and supporting the Nigerian creative industry.
As part of its mission, the Commission aims to educate the public about the risks of piracy and promote genuine products.
In recent years, the NCC has made significant strides in combating piracy, securing over 3,000 convictions and recovering billions of naira.
With continued efforts, the Commission hopes to create a safer and more sustainable environment for Nigeria’s creative sector to thrive.
