NCC Sensitizes Booksellers Against Piracy

A team of Officers of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) carried out inspection and sensitization exercise of major bookshops around Mile 1, Mile 3 Markets in Diobu, and University of Port Harcourt gates, all in Rivers State on the 1st August 2023.

State Coordinator NCC Port Harcourt office, Mrs Nkechi Ezinma, said the excercise is aimed enlightening Booksellers on the need to desist from dealing in pirated works.

Addressing stakeholders during the operation, leader of the team, Assistant Director, Operations, Mr. Joseph Ojika, emphasized the Commission’s zero tolerance policy on piracy while restating the commitment to create an enabling environment for development of the book industry.

Other Officers on the team were: Mr. Alubo Inalegwu, (ACCO)Legal; Mrs Onuobia Chetachi( PCO) and Mrs Amarachi Chiemezuo (PCO).

In a related development on the 10th August 2023, the NCC Port Harcourt Office carried out a public enlightenment campaign at Rumuomasi Market Union Hall for book sellers in the Market.

The Team Leader Mr. Joseph Ojika warned the traders on the dangers of trading in pirated books explaining that it could lead to arrest, seizure, fine or jail term of culprit.

Booksellers were also advised to contact the Port Harcourt Office for any clarification as it relates to the Commission’s mandate.

The Booksellers on their part indicated interest to partner with the Commission in its fight against book piracy promising to adhere to the stipulations of the Copyright Act.

Mr. Mike Chuku, the Chairman of the Market speaking on behalf of the Booksellers promised to join the Commission to monitor and regulate the purchase and sale of literary works in the market.

The NCC team was was made up of Mr Joseph Ojika(AD); Mr Alubo Inalegwu (ACCO) and Mrs Amarachi Chiemezuo (PCO) .