The Nigerian Copyright Commission and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), have renewed their commitment to inter-agency collaboration to stem the tide of online piracy and protect the creative industry in Nigeria.
This was part of the agreements reached by the two agencies during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of Nigerian Copyright Commission, Dr. John Asein, to the Executive Vice-Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Aminu Maida in Abuja.
Commending the Nigerian Communications Commission’s leadership in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation and connectivity agenda, Dr. Asein noted its pivotal role in fostering a safe online environment for creativity to flourish in Nigeria. He stressed the need for deeper collaboration between the two agencies in the fight against copyright piracy to enhance the growth of the creative economy.
According to Dr Asein, “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 crucial to addressing both international and local concerns over rising 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 on growing the creative economy.
Decrying the disruptive impact of online piracy to the creative economy, which undermines the efforts of content creators and investors, Dr. Asein observed 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 support of the Communications Commission in finalising and operationalising the document.
Dr. Asein noted the recent Special 301 Report issued by the Office of the United States Trade Representatives and the EU Trade and Economic Security Commission biennial report on the Protection and Enforcement of IPR in Third world Countries pointing to the role of ISPs in curbing online piracy, again underscoring the need for ISPs and other intermediaries to be more proactive and act responsibly.
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.
Responding, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida commended the Copyright Commission for its regulatory efforts in clamping down on illegal sites and digital platforms to address online infringements.
Dr Maida who was represented by the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Mrs. Rimini Makama, agreed on the need for urgent action to check online piracy and welcomed the call for deeper collaboration.
He called for an early signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two Commissions to formalise the collaboration.
He also assured the Copyright Commission boss that the Communications Commission is reviewing the Draft Copyright Enforcement Guidelines for ISPs and Intermediaries shared with it by the Copyright Commission.