The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has begun consultations with relevant stakeholders to formulate Regulations and Guidelines for the implementation of the provisions of the Copyright Act, 2022 on the protection of expressions of folklore.
Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari assented to the Copyright Act 2022 which repeals the Copyright Act, Cap C28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The Bill, signed into law on March 17, 2022, provides for the regulation, protection, and administration of copyright.
Director-General of the NCC, Dr. John O. Asein, in a message issued on Sunday in commemoration of the World Book and Copyright Day, disclosed that the Commission was particularly pleased with Nigeria’s recent enactment of the Copyright Act, 2022 adding that it gives authors the needed legal framework to harness the country’s rich cultural heritage.
The NCC boss expressed optimism that the Act had brought significant improvement in the rights available and better addressed the challenges of digital transmission and online exploitation of works.
According to Asein, the book, in whatever format, has remained one of the most potent and enduring means of transmitting knowledge.
He also maintained that the flexible provisions of the Act on translations of works should encourage the publication of more materials in indigenous languages.
The statement read in part: “As we celebrate this year’s World Book and Copyright Day, the Commission is particularly pleased with Nigeria’s recent enactment of the Copyright Act, 2022 which gives authors the needed legal framework to harness the country’s rich cultural heritage. The Act has brought significant improvement in the rights available and better addresses the challenges of digital transmission and online exploitation of works. On the other hand, the flexible provisions on translations of works should facilitate the publication of more materials in indigenous languages. The Nigerian Copyright Commission has also commenced consultations with the relevant stakeholders to formulate the needed Regulations and Guidelines for the implementation of the provisions of the Act on the protection of expressions of folklore.
“To guarantee adequate return on intellectual and financial investment in all creative sectors, the Commission is intensifying its proactive enforcement initiatives as well as enhancing the collective management of rights. Working with various stakeholders and relevant agencies, the Commission has commenced a series of public education and enlightenment campaigns as a prelude to the full scale national antipiracy drive. With the stiffer penalties available in the new Act for criminal infractions, the public is therefore advised to desist from all forms of copyright infringements and abuses.
“Together, let us, in our literature, music, performances and movies explore alternative languages and give voice to indigenous communities. May I also call on authors and other stakeholders to join the Nigerian Copyright Commission in telling the copyright story and drawing attention to the ills of piracy and other copyright abuses that would be inimical to the advancement of indigenous languages.”