NCC Destroys ₦141.5 Million Worth of Pirated Books in Oyo
The Nigerian Copyright Commission has destroyed pirated books valued at ₦141.5 million in Oyo State as part of intensified efforts to combat copyright infringement and protect intellectual property rights in Nigeria. The destruction exercise was carried out following the conclusion of investigations and legal procedures related to the seized materials.
Officials of the Nigerian Copyright Commission said the pirated books were confiscated during enforcement operations across different locations in Oyo State. The seizures followed intelligence-led raids targeting warehouses, bookshops, and distribution points involved in the illegal reproduction and sale of copyrighted materials.
The commission explained that the exercise was aimed at sending a strong warning to pirates and illegal publishers that copyright violations would no longer be tolerated. It noted that book piracy continues to undermine the creative industry, deprive authors and publishers of rightful earnings, and discourage investment in the education and publishing sectors.
According to the NCC, the destroyed materials included textbooks and other educational publications that were illegally reproduced without the consent of copyright owners. The commission stressed that such activities negatively affect the quality of learning materials available to students and schools.
The NCC reaffirmed its commitment to sustained enforcement actions in collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders. It also urged authors, publishers, and members of the public to report suspected cases of piracy to support ongoing efforts to safeguard intellectual property rights.
The government of Oyo State was commended for its cooperation during the operation, as officials described the action as a step toward strengthening the rule of law and promoting a culture of respect for creativity and innovation.
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