NCC, Onitsha book sellers sign MoU over piracy
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NCC, Onitsha book sellers sign MoU over piracy

…MoU in continuation of the Monitoring and Documentation programme of NCC

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) and Onitsha Main market Booksellers Association targeted at curtailing book piracy and regulate activities of book sellers in Onitsha, Anambra State.

The signing of the MoU was in continuation of the Monitoring and Documentation programme of NCC which was inaugurated by its Director General, Dr John Asein.

Addressing participants at the signing of the MoU, NCC Director General, Dr John Asein said the MoU would help fight piracy, regulate booksellers activities and foster collaborations among stakeholders. 

Asein, represented by the commission’s  Director of Operations, Mr Obi Ezeilo explained that with the monitoring and documentation programme, the Commission collaborates with different stakeholders in the copyright industry. 

He said, “To monitor and document all companies, entities and individuals who produce, distribute or commercially deal with copyright protected works including books, music, film, software and among others.

“The Commission also use this collaboration to fight piracy of these works. 

“The monitoring of these outlets enables operatives of the commission to identify possible activities in the industry that facilitate or encourage piracy and work with the stakeholders to remove or stop such activity.”

Asein noted that during the signing of the MoU, parties had agreed to work together to fight piracy in the Onitsha main market. 

He stressed that they have also agreed that NPA will work closely with the trader association in providing relevant information about their books, distributing books in an acceptable manner. 

Addressing newsmen shortly after the exercise, Chairman Booksellers Association Onitsha Main market, Mr Ben Ukpaka, said the MoU would help check the activities of piracy.

“With the signing, it will help in uniting and checkmating any activities of members especially in righting piracy. I also thank NCC for ensuring the betterment of our organizations”, he stated.

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