NCC seizes Pirated Products Worth N6.3Bn

The Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) says it seized 5, 896, 644 units of various pirated foreign and Nigerian products valued at about N6.3 billion from January till date.

Afam Ezekude, director-general of NCC, made this known at a training workshop organised for senior officers of Entertainment and Creative Services of Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation.

Ezekude said that the commission also apprehended 403 suspected pirates in the period under review.

“Since January till date, the commission has carried out 180 anti-piracy operations at different locations in the country.

“This has resulted in the removal of 5,896,644 units of various pirated products valued over N6.3 billion with 403 suspected pirates apprehended,’’ Ezekude said.

He said that the enforcement action was backed up with vigorous prosecution which resulted in the conviction of 53 copyrights infringers, while 172 cases were at various stages of trial.

“Our ongoing anti-piracy campaign will continue to yield positive results, including the supports received from stakeholders,’’ he said.

Ezekude said the commission was committed to putting in place policies and programmes that would create a conducive environment for creativity to thrive and to ensure profitable investments in the industry.

Chief Edem Duke, minister of Tourism,  commended NCC for its fight against piracy in the entertainment and creative industry.

“It is on record that the issue of piracy has been drastically reduced by your spirited efforts,’’ Duke said.

One of the resource persons, John Alewo, said the fight against piracy was a collective one, adding “my job is to catch a pirate and prosecute him,’’ Alewo said.

Eunice Nweke, a participant, urged all stakeholders in the sector to join hands with the commission to address the menace.