The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has intensified its clampdown on piracy with the confiscation of pirated books estimated at over ₦100 million during a major enforcement operation in Lagos State.
The three-day operation, which took place between Friday, October 3 and Tuesday, October 7, targeted several outlets across Ikeja, Bariga, Ikorodu, and Ikotun. It was led by the Deputy Director of Operations, Lagos Office, Mr. Charles Amudipe, and supported by security operatives who ensured order throughout the exercise.
According to the Director-General of the Commission, Dr. John Asein, the coordinated raid was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the networks of piracy syndicates operating across the country. He explained that the NCC has adopted a combination of field enforcement, legal prosecution, and public sensitization to combat the menace of intellectual property theft.
Dr. Asein described piracy as a persistent threat to Nigeria’s creative economy, undermining the efforts of authors, musicians, filmmakers, and other intellectual property owners. He stressed that the Commission would continue to apply the full force of the law against offenders, noting that the Copyright Act prescribes stiff penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for those found guilty.
“The destruction of seized pirated materials is a standard practice to ensure they do not find their way back into the market,” he said. “This serves as a strong deterrent and reinforces our message that piracy will not be tolerated.”
He urged members of the public to support the Commission’s efforts by reporting cases of piracy and purchasing only authentic products from verified distributors. “Safeguarding intellectual property is a shared responsibility,” the NCC boss added. “Every citizen must play a part in protecting the nation’s creative assets.”
The Director of the NCC Lagos Office, Mrs. Lynda Alphaeus, explained that the Lagos raid was part of a nationwide campaign to rid the market of pirated works. “This operation is in line with the Director-General’s directive to cleanse the market of fake and pirated books that continue to harm publishers and authors,” she stated.
Mr. Amudipe, who led the enforcement team, revealed that some shop owners initially resisted the raid, but the firm presence of security officers ensured that the exercise proceeded smoothly. He warned that booksellers, schools, and printers involved in piracy would face prosecution, as copyright infringement remains a criminal offense under Nigerian law.
Over the past five years, he noted, the Commission has scaled up its operations through increased public enlightenment, collaboration with industry stakeholders, and the adoption of digital monitoring tools. These measures, he said, are part of the NCC’s broader plan to modernize enforcement and safeguard creative works in the digital era.
Mr. Joni Icheka, Special Assistant to the NCC Director-General, emphasized that the war against piracy cannot be won by government alone. “The cooperation of the public, publishers, and the media is vital to curbing this menace,” he said, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to sustaining partnerships with law enforcement agencies and rights owners nationwide.
He added that the Lagos operation reflects the Commission’s renewed determination to protect creative investments and uphold Nigeria’s reputation in the global intellectual property community.