By Uzairu Dauda:
Nigerians have been encouraged to develop a strong reading culture and uphold respect for copyright as part of efforts to strengthen the nation’s creative and knowledge economy.
The Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Dr. John O. Asein, made this call in a message marking the 2026 World Book and Copyright Day.
He said, the annual event highlights the enduring importance of books as sources of knowledge, tools for cultural preservation, and drivers of national development.
Dr. Asein emphasized that embracing reading as a lifelong habit, alongside respecting copyright, is essential for sustaining creativity, rewarding authors, and building a vibrant knowledge-based economy.
He noted that Nigeria’s book industry has grown significantly from the emergence of indigenous publishing after independence to today’s dynamic digital ecosystem.
According to him, Nigerian authors continue to gain global recognition, while publishers are expanding their capacity and diversifying content.
Despite this progress, he identified piracy as a major challenge, describing it as a persistent threat that undermines legitimate businesses and diminishes the economic value of creative works.
He also pointed to inadequate distribution systems and limited access to books as barriers to the industry’s growth and cultural sustainability.
Dr. Asein commended the introduction of the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy, describing it as a bold step toward repositioning intellectual property as a key driver of Nigeria’s economic transformation.
He explained that the policy provides a roadmap for revitalizing the book sector for the benefit of authors and publishers.
The NCC Director General said, the policy available to the public online will establish a more coherent legal and institutional framework for protecting and commercializing creative works, saying it also aims to strengthen enforcement, improve collective management systems, enhance market access, and better integrate digital publishing models.
These measures, he said, will enable authors to earn more from their work, expand their reach, and compete globally.
As part of the celebration, Dr. Asein also called attention to the needs of persons who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print-disabled, noting that access to books remains a significant challenge for them.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting equitable access to knowledge through the effective implementation of the Marrakesh Treaty, as reflected in the Copyright Act, 2024.
