Ajegunle, Lagos – The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has significantly intensified its efforts to combat piracy, recently seizing pirated books worth a staggering N20 million in a raid on bookshops within the Ajegunle boundary area of Lagos State.
The operation, led by Mr. Charles Amudipe, Deputy Director and Head of Operations at the Lagos Office, took place on Friday, November 1, 2024, with the support of security personnel.
Mrs. Lynda Alphaeus, Director of the Lagos Office, representing the NCC’s Director-General, Dr. John Asein, emphasized the commission’s unwavering commitment to eradicating piracy nationwide. She stated, “This raid aligns with the Director-General’s mission to cleanse the market and eliminate pirated books across the country.”
Alphaeus highlighted the severe negative impact of piracy on publishers, authors, and the Nigerian economy. She underscored the NCC’s zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of copyright infringement.
The raid targeted five suspected outlets located on Ojora Lane and Calabar Road in the Ajegunle area. NCC officials, accompanied by security personnel, inspected several bookshops and storage warehouses, confiscating pirated materials.
Despite initial resistance from some shop owners, the operation was successfully concluded without any major disruptions, thanks to the support of security personnel.
Alphaeus issued a stern warning to booksellers, schools, and printers involved in piracy, emphasizing that it is a punishable offense with severe legal consequences.
The NCC is determined to identify and prosecute individuals involved in piracy, regardless of their status or location.
Alphaeus urged all operators to prioritize the sale of genuine products and comply with copyright laws. She concluded by stating that the NCC’s actions demonstrate its unwavering commitment to protecting intellectual property and fostering the growth of the Nigerian creative industry.
 has significantly intensified its efforts to combat piracy, recently seizing pirated books worth a staggering N20 million in a raid on bookshops within the Ajegunle boundary area of Lagos State.){kind=link}