The Nigerian Copyright Commission has called on citizens to revive a deep-rooted reading culture as a critical step toward building a society that values and protects creative expression.
Director-General of the Commission, Dr. John Asein, stressed that encouraging reading habits would not only promote knowledge but also guarantee that creators receive due recognition and reward for their intellectual efforts, thereby motivating continued innovation.
The appeal was conveyed in a statement issued by the Commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Ijeoma Egbunike, to commemorate the 2026 World Book and Copyright Day, observed on Thursday in Abuja.
Marked globally every April 23, the annual event, instituted by UNESCO in 1995, celebrates books, authors, and the enforcement of intellectual property rights.
Asein noted that the theme for this year, “Read Books, Respect Copyright,” serves as a reminder for Nigerians to embrace reading as a lifelong pursuit while acknowledging the vital role copyright plays in sustaining creativity.
He underscored the timeless relevance of books, describing them as pillars of knowledge, instruments of cultural preservation, and catalysts for national growth and economic advancement.
Reflecting on the evolution of Nigeria’s publishing landscape, Asein pointed out the transition from early indigenous publishing efforts after independence to a dynamic, digitally driven industry that is gaining increasing global recognition.
Despite these strides, he identified piracy as a persistent threat to the creative sector, alongside poor distribution networks and limited access to books, factors that continue to stifle reading culture across the country.
The NCC boss maintained that protecting intellectual property is central to economic development, highlighting the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy as a decisive move to reposition the sector as a key driver of national progress.
He explained that the policy outlines measures to strengthen the publishing industry, improve legal protections, and boost the commercial value of copyrighted works for both authors and publishers.
Asein added that better enforcement mechanisms, efficient collective management systems, and the integration of digital publishing would empower Nigerian authors to earn more, reach wider audiences, and compete on the global stage.
He also emphasized the need for inclusive access to books, drawing attention to the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to implementing the Marrakesh Treaty under the Copyright Act 2022 to address these barriers.
Reiterating the agency’s stance against piracy, Asein disclosed plans to intensify enforcement operations nationwide, while urging students, parents, teachers, and book enthusiasts to support the industry by purchasing books only from authorised and accredited outlets.
