Concerns have been expressed by the Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) regarding the detrimental impacts of book piracy on the publishing and Education sectors. When NPA President Alhaji Lukman Dauda visited the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Ibadan, he emphasised how pirates ignore publishing investments, intellectual property, and book quality, allowing them to sell at lower costs and make unfair profits. NPA’s continued lobbying efforts to prevent piracy included the visit, which called on journalists to help spread the word.
In response, Mr. Demola Babalola, Chairman of NUJ Oyo State, promised more media coverage of the detrimental effects of piracy. Executive Secretary Mr. Emmanuel Abimbola, previous NPA President Chief N.O. Okereke, Council Member Mrs. Folakemi Bademosi, Vice President Mr. Seinde Ogunniyi, and Deputy President West Mr. Olakunle Sogbein were among the important figures in the NPA delegation. Nigerian book piracy has a big financial impact; estimates place the pirates’ share of the publishing market at 40% to 50%, which means that legitimate publishers have lost a lot of money.
NCC raided Tincan Port, confiscating thousands of pirated publications.
This illegal conduct not only hurts publishing companies’ bottom lines, but it also deters investment, inhibits author originality, and raises Unemployment rates in the publishing sector. By conducting 327 anti-piracy operations, arresting 711 people, and seizing over 9 million copies of pirated works worth at almost ₦9.5 billion between January 2011 and the third quarter of 2017, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has been actively fighting piracy. Pirates continue to pose a serious threat in spite of these enforcement measures.
According to investigations, authors are deterred from writing more works by piracy because their work is copied without their permission in order to profit. The publishing sector suffers losses as a result of low-quality publications entering the market as a result of this illegal replication. In a significant enforcement activity, the NCC raided Tincan Port and confiscated thousands of pirated publications. The Commission admitted that many pirates make fake claims to avoid duty or as a cover for smuggling, taking unfair advantage of the zero charge on books. In order to guarantee safe passageways for their works, the NCC has urged all parties involved—especially publishers, printers, and booksellers—to work together.
With DRM, books in electronic format can be shielded from piracy.
A diversified strategy is required to successfully tackle book piracy in Nigeria. It is imperative that current copyright rules be enforced more strictly. To discourage would-be pirates, this entails tougher punishments for violators and a quicker legal system. The effectiveness of anti-piracy activities can be increased by strengthening the NCC’s capability through more funds and training. By putting digital rights management (DRM) systems in place, books in electronic format can be shielded against illegal distribution. A clear and unchangeable record of a book’s distribution history can also be obtained by using Blockchain technology, which facilitates the tracking and prevention of illicit copies.
Public awareness of the detrimental effects of piracy on the creative industries, education system, and Economy can help to lower the demand for illegal books. Partnerships among authors, publishers, and academic institutions can promote an intellectual property rights-respecting culture. Beyond just monetary losses, book piracy has other negative effects. Pirated books frequently have poor print quality and lack content, which makes it difficult for pupils to learn. Knowing that pirated versions of some texts are common can make it difficult for educators to recommend or utilise them, potentially jeopardising the quality of instructional resources.
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Due to reduced remuneration and a lack of appreciation for their contributions, authors become less motivated to create new material. Learn Africa’s managing director, Hassan Bala, emphasised the wider effects of piracy when he said, “Book piracy is a clog in the wheel of progress of education because it discourages students and authors’ creative ability.” This opinion emphasises how the problem must be addressed holistically in order to maintain the viability of Nigeria’s publishing and education industries.