Group wants Copyright Commission to redouble efforts on war against book piracy

The Coal City Literary Forum (CCLF) based in Enugu State has urged the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) to redouble its efforts in the fight against book piracy.

The President of the forum, Dr Adaobi Nwoye made the call in Enugu on Tuesday while speaking on the 2019 World Book and Copyright Day in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

“On a day like this, I wish that the Nigeria Copyright Commission will rise up to its responsibility and treat piracy with the seriousness it deserves.

“One of the issues that have plagued writers in recent times is piracy. You write a book, you take it to the market in a bid to at least recoup your capital and the next thing it has been pirated.

“This is the fate of some writers who were lucky to get their books on the list of recommended texts at the state or federal level.

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“Unfortunately, the copyright commission has not been able to stem this tide which gives perpetrators of this crime the confidence to pirate people’s efforts with impunity,’’ Nwoye said.

According to her, this has weakened the passion of many good writers.

The president also called on stakeholders to collectively curb the menace of piracy especially market associations who marketed these books.

She said that if they refused to patronize these pirates, they would be left with no choice than to stop pirating people’s works.

Nwoye, who is also an author, however, commended the Enugu Book Sellers Association on its efforts to eliminate piracy in Enugu state by imposing stiff penalties on members caught in possession of pirated books, especially recommended texts.

She encouraged other states to take a cue from this laudable initiative by booksellers in Enugu state.

“I also want to encourage writers not to be discouraged by the activities of these pirates and take to other means of publishing their works, particularly electronic channels.  Together we can win the war against piracy,’’ Nwoye said.

NAN reports that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) celebrate World Book and Copyright Day every April 23 to promote the enjoyment of books and reading.

UNESCO also set aside the day to pay tribute to world-wide books and authors as well as encourage people to access books.