NCC, Copyright Commission Join Forces to Tackle Online Piracy

In a meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja, the Nigerian Copyright Commission and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reaffirmed their dedication to curbing online piracy within the creative sector. 

Mrs. Ijeoma Egbunike, Director of Public Affairs at the Copyright Commission, relayed that Dr. John Asein, the commission’s Director-General, emphasized this commitment during a courtesy visit to NCC’s Executive Vice-Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida. 

Asein highlighted the renewed pledge for inter-agency cooperation to combat online piracy and safeguard Nigeria’s creative industry. He also praised NCC’s leadership for advancing the nation’s digital transformation and connectivity goals.

He noted the Communications commission pivotal role in fostering a safe online environment for creativity to flourish in Nigeria.

He, therefore, stressed the need for deeper collaboration between the two agencies in the fight against copyright piracy to enhance the growth of the creative economy.

“Online piracy poses a significant threat and undermines the efforts of authors and investors.

“We, therefore, want to secure our online environment and guarantee Nigeria’s digital future,” he said.

Asein emphasised that the collaboration would address both international and local concerns over rising online piracy.

“The collaboration will help develop and implement appropriate regulatory measures for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and other intermediaries.

“It will also ensure compliance with the Copyright Act, 2022; and support government policies on growing the creative economy,’’ he said.

He decried the disruptive impact of online piracy on the creative economy, adding that it undermined the efforts of content creators and investors.

Asein observed that the increasing role of ISPs and intermediaries in content dissemination made it imperative to clearly define their obligations under the Copyright Act 2022.

He highlighted the Draft Copyright Enforcement Guidelines for ISPs and Intermediaries, developed by the commission and sought the support of the NCC in operationalising the document.

“Curbing the online piracy again underscores the need for ISPs and other intermediaries to be more proactive and act responsibly as part of the proposed collaboration,” he said.

The copyright commission boss recommended the establishment of an inter-agency task force to tackle online copyright piracy.

He also proposed the creation of a multi-stakeholder forum comprising ISPs, regulators and enforcement agencies to protect copyrights.

He said the effort should also involve the development of a Code of Practice for ISPs with clear obligations and accountability frameworks.

Responding, Maida commended the Copyright Commission for its effort in clamping down on illegal sites and digital platforms to address online infringements.

Maida, represented by the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Mrs Rimini Makama, welcomed the call for deeper collaboration.

He emphasised on the need for urgent action to check online piracy in the creative industry.

Maida emphasised the need for an early signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations towards enhancing the collaboration.

He assured Asein that the NCC would review the draft Copyright Enforcement Guidelines for ISPs and Intermediaries for further action. 

NAN