Nigeria Suffers Billions in Lost Intellectual Property - Commission Report

Nigeria's Struggle with Intellectual Property Theft

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NPC) has raised concerns about the significant loss of intellectual property due to theft, estimating the value in the billions of dollars over recent years. This alarming issue was highlighted by the Director General of the NPC, John Asein, during the opening of a workshop organized by the Art and Culture Writers Association of Nigeria (ACWAN), media practitioners, and copyright sector partners in Abuja.

Asein emphasized that the impact of piracy on creative talents is profound, as it discourages innovation and artistic expression. He pointed out that many publishing houses, some of which had been operating for over 50 years, have closed down due to the challenges posed by piracy. The DG noted that the landscape of copyright operations has evolved rapidly, especially in the digital era. From dealing with mass reproduction of CDs and DVDs a decade ago, the current challenge involves cloud-based infringements, algorithm-driven content aggregation, digital anonymity, and hyperactive online piracy networks.

These developments have increased the stakes and require new regulatory responses and broader partnerships. The workshop aims to strengthen the creative ecosystem by serving as a dialogue beacon for policy discourse, institutional reflection, and collaborative action in the copyright space. Additionally, the inaugural Moses Ekpo Prize for Innovative Copyright Reporting will be awarded posthumously to Evelyn Osagie of The Nation.

Addressing Misinformation and Fake News

In his speech, Dr Dili Ezughah, the Director General of the National Press Council (NPC), discussed the council's efforts to combat misinformation, fake news, and disinformation. He announced the introduction of a factchecker application designed to address these pressing issues. This initiative underscores the importance of maintaining accurate and reliable information in the media landscape.

The workshop provided an opportunity for participants to engage in discussions about the challenges faced by the copyright sector and to explore potential solutions. It also served as a platform for recognizing outstanding contributions to copyright reporting through the Moses Ekpo Prize.

The Role of Collaboration and Innovation

Collaboration between various stakeholders, including media practitioners, legal experts, and policymakers, is crucial in addressing the complexities of intellectual property theft. The evolving digital environment necessitates innovative approaches to protect creators' rights and ensure that their work is valued and respected.

The use of technology, such as the factchecker application, highlights the need for adaptive strategies in combating misinformation. As the digital landscape continues to change, so too must the methods used to safeguard intellectual property and promote ethical journalism.

Looking Ahead

As Nigeria grapples with the challenges of intellectual property theft and misinformation, the importance of education and awareness cannot be overstated. Initiatives like the workshop organized by ACWAN and the NPC play a vital role in fostering a deeper understanding of these issues among media professionals and the general public.

By promoting collaboration, innovation, and education, Nigeria can take significant steps toward protecting its creative industries and ensuring the integrity of information in the digital age. The continued efforts of organizations like the NPC and the National Press Council are essential in this ongoing journey.