NCC Secures 40 Convictions against Copyright Infringers

The Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) secured 40 convictions against copyright infringers, with varying sentences of imprisonment and fines, while about 89 cases are at various stages of trial in various courts across the country, said Mr. Afam Ezekude, director general of the Commission.

He disclosed at recent training workshop on Digital/Internet Piracy organized for staff of the Commission by Google Nigeria that the partnership with Google became necessary given the increasing challenge posed by online piracy to creativity

Ezekude added that NCC has stepped up fight against Internet piracy and cybercrime in the country while partnering with Google Nigeria, one of the biggest players in the Internet.

Ezekude noted that Google with the best internet search engine is strategically positioned to assist the Commission in checking internet piracy.

According to the director general, the training workshop which signaled a commencement of an expected long term partnership with Google Nigeria, will afford the staff of the Commission an opportunity to update their knowledge on new trends in information and communication technology, and particularly strategies for curtailing online piracy.

The DG bemoaned that the nation loses billions of Naira annually to the illegal activities of Pirates which affects the fortunes of the fast growing creative industry and ultimately the Nigerian economy.

According to him, the development prompted the Commission to embark on the reform of the copyright system, which was formally launched in November 2012.

He further stated that the reforms of the Nigerian Copyright System was intended to; among other things, upgrade the current statutory framework for copyright protection with a view to addressing emerging challenges in the digital environment.

A draft of the revised copyright bill will soon be forwarded to the National Assembly for its consideration and passage.

Beyond legislative reforms, the director general also disclosed that an E-registration platform would soon be created by the Commission to enable creators register their works online to further strengthen protection of their works, guarantee global access to works; and reduce infringements.

Speaking on the Commission’s Medium Term Corporate Plan and Strategy, the DG noted that his administration embarked on proactive and vigorous Enforcement and Prosecution of Copyright cases across the country which has significantly curtailed the activities of pirates and saved the nation from losing billions of Naira.

The DG disclosed that over 100 raids have been carried out since January 2011 leading to the arrest of about 200 suspects and the removal of pirated materials worth over N3 billion.

The DG further disclosed that the Commission has secured 40 convictions against copyright infringers, with varying sentences of imprisonment and fines, while about eighty to ninety (89) cases are at various stages of trial in various courts across the country.

The DG on NCC website re-emphasized the Commission’s unrelenting commitment to stamping out Piracy and making creativity in Nigeria a worthwhile venture.

Mrs. Juliet Ehimuan Chiazor, country manager of Google Nigeria, represented by Mrs. Elizabeth Munyi Njuguna of the Legal Department assured participants at the Workshop of Google Nigeria’s willingness to share its experience and knowledge and to sustain the partnership with the Nigerian Copyright Commission and other relevant stakeholders to fight the menace of Digital Piracy and other forms of online infractions.

She disclosed that Google Nigeria is committed to providing quality Internet access to Nigerians in a manner that will not only respect Creativity and local content but also support content providers.