The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has pledged to take its war against piracy to digital space through the deployment of modern technology.
The Director-General of NCC, Dr John Asien, disclosed this while commemorating the World Intellectual Property Day, WIPD, Wednesday in Uyo.
He noted that the plan will be achieved through the ongoing collaboration with the relevant national institutions to ensure a coordinated response.
The DG, represented by the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of NCC, Mrs Cornelia Ibanga lamented that the unauthorised streaming of live sports content has continued to undermine legitimate markets and discourage investment.
“The Nigerian Copyright Commission has intensified its enforcement efforts to combat digital piracy and related infringement.
“Leveraging the provisions of the copyright Act, 2022, the commission is deploying modern enforcement mechanism to address illegal streaming, cable piracy and unauthorized public exhibition.
“These enforcement actions are situated within the broader framework of the National Intellectual Property and Strategy, a comprehensive roadmap aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.”
Asien explained that the policy will provide a well-structured approach to strengthening the generation, protection and the commercialisation of Intellectual property across key sectors including sports.
He stated that Nigerian youths have continued to demonstrate exceptional talent and global competitiveness, adding that the Commission will translate such “potential into sustainable economic outcomes through the effective use of Intellectual Property”.
The DG called on the Nigerian youths to acquire knowledge of IP rights and position themselves within the industry to commercialise their ideas and talents.
Also speaking, the Staff Advicer of Intellectual Property Society, University of Uyo Chapter, Ms Enoobong Etuk, stated that the celebration of WIPD resonates with the institution’s resolve to establish a physical Intellectual Property Society office.
She expressed delight that beyond academic property and innovation, sports have joined the intellectual property and that will be a boost for the youths to be self-reliant.