The Nigerian Copyright Commission and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have renewed their commitment to inter-agency collaboration aimed at curbing online piracy and protecting Nigeria’s creative industry.
This was part of the agreements reached during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, Dr. John Asein, to the Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, in Abuja.
Commending the NCC’s leadership in advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation and connectivity agenda, Dr. Asein highlighted the Commission’s pivotal role in creating a safe online environment for creativity to thrive.
He emphasised the need for deeper collaboration between the two agencies in the fight against copyright piracy to support the growth of the creative economy.
Dr. Asein said, “Online piracy poses a significant threat, undermining the efforts of authors and investors. We therefore want to secure our online environment and guarantee Nigeria’s digital future.”
He added that the collaboration is vital to addressing both international and domestic concerns over the rise in online piracy, developing and implementing appropriate regulatory measures for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and other intermediaries, ensuring compliance with the Copyright Act, 2022, and supporting government policies aimed at growing the creative economy.
Decrying the disruptive impact of online piracy on the creative sector, Dr. Asein noted that the increasing role of ISPs and intermediaries in content dissemination makes it imperative to clearly define their obligations under the Copyright Act, 2022.
He informed the meeting of the Draft Copyright Enforcement Guidelines for ISPs and Intermediaries, developed by the Copyright Commission, and sought the NCC’s support in finalising and operationalising the document.
Dr. Asein also referenced the recent Special 301 Report issued by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, as well as the EU Trade and Economic Security Commission’s biennial report on intellectual property rights protection in third-world countries, both of which underscore the critical role of ISPs in curbing online piracy.
As part of the proposed collaboration, Dr. Asein recommended the establishment of an inter-agency task force on online copyright piracy. He also proposed the creation of a multi-stakeholder forum comprising ISPs, regulators, and enforcement agencies, as well as the development of a Code of Practice for ISPs with clear obligations and accountability frameworks.
In response, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida—represented by the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Mrs. Rimini Makama—commended the Copyright Commission for its regulatory efforts in shutting down illegal sites and digital platforms that facilitate online infringements.
Dr. Maida agreed on the urgent need for coordinated action to tackle online piracy and welcomed the call for deeper collaboration. He called for the early signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two Commissions to formalise the partnership.
He also assured Dr. Asein that the NCC is currently reviewing the Draft Copyright Enforcement Guidelines for ISPs and Intermediaries shared with it by the Copyright Commission.
