As part of efforts to strengthen existing relationship with its stakeholders, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Custom Service (NCS).
The MOU, with a three year renewable term, is aimed at solidifying existing relationship, redefining common grounds for collaboration in the fight against piracy and developing capacity for Officers of the NCS manning the borders across the country.
Speaking at the event held at the Custom Head Office, Abuja, Mr. Afam Ezekude, Director-General Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), expressed optimism that the MoU will put in place measures that will check incidences of piracy at all entry points of the country.
The DG noted that it was imperative to formalise the relationship between the two organisations as against the existing loose arrangement, adding that it is also aimed at blocking all possible entry points for pirated works.
Appreciating the efforts of the NCS over the years, he said a total of 28 Containers containing several units of pirated Copyright protected works were seized by the collaborative efforts of the NCS.
Mr. Ezekude, while warning pirates and their accomplices to desist from the heinous crime, assured that NCC is now more than ever set to intercept copyright pirated goods and prosecute pirates as the Commission is looking forward to a more robust relationship with NCS.
In his remark, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd), Comptroller-General of Customs, noted that the event marks the beginning of a solid cooperation between both organisations and assured that the NCS will continue to support the Commission in executing its mandate.
While also expressing optimism that the collaboration will further reduce the incidence of piracy across the country, the Comptroller-General laments that piracy negatively affects right owners, the economy of the country and deprive genuine investors of returns on investment.
He called on all to respect the Law and desist from all forms of criminality. “We can survive doing the right thing, we can survive aligning ourselves with the Laws of Nigeria” he stressed.
The High point of the event was the actual signing of the MoU by the Comptroller-General, NCS and DG, NCC. The event was attended by Management team from both Organisations.