NCC and Customs Collaborate to Combat Piracy in Nigeria

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) are collaborating to strengthen enforcement against the movement of pirated and copyright-infringing materials across Nigeria's borders. This initiative was announced by the Director-General of the NCC, Dr John Asein, during a capacity-building training for NCS officers in Kaduna.

Asein, represented by Olufunmilayo Adewale, emphasized the importance of effective border control and intelligence sharing in combating copyright piracy. He noted that the Copyright Act 2022 provides a legal framework for enforcement, urging both agencies to translate its provisions into action.

Barr. Rukayya Muhammad Yaldu, the NCC state commandant, highlighted that copyright infringement has become organized crime, necessitating enhanced cooperation. The training also included insights from Abdullahi Alfa Muhammed on inter-agency synergy, aiming to reduce the distribution of pirated materials.

Muhammad Usman Balarabe from the NCS described the program as crucial for improving collaboration and understanding operational procedures between the two agencies.