The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) raided several bookshops in the Ajegunle boundary area of Lagos State, confiscating pirated books worth an estimated N20 million.
The operation which was carried out on Friday was led by Mr. Charles Amudipe, Deputy Director and Head of Operations for the Lagos Office, involving a team of copyright officers supported by security personnel.
Mrs. Lynda Alphaeus, Director of the Lagos Office, who represented the NCC’s Director-General, Dr. John Asein, stated that the raid is part of the Commission’s ongoing campaign against piracy nationwide.
She stated, “This raid is part of the Director-General’s mission to cleanse the market and rid the entire country of pirated books.
“Piracy has been a major issue affecting publishers, authors, and the economy, and the commission has a zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of copyright infringement.”
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Alphaeus added that the operation targeted five suspected outlets located on Ojora Lane and Calabar Road in Ajegunle, where bookshops and storage warehouses were inspected for pirated materials, which were then seized.
She added, ““During the operation, we inspected several bookshops and storage warehouses suspected of housing pirated books around Ajegunle market. Items identified as pirated materials were seized.”
Although some shop owners attempted to resist, the presence of security personnel ensured the operation proceeded smoothly and without major disruptions.
She warned that booksellers, schools, and printers involved in piracy would face strict legal consequences, emphasizing that piracy is a punishable offense.
Over the last five years, the NCC has intensified its efforts to combat piracy, she noted, pledging that the commission will continue to prosecute offenders regardless of their status or location.
“The NCC’s action serves as a strong signal of its increased anti-piracy operations aimed at protecting intellectual property and supporting the Nigerian creative industry,” Alphaeus concluded.
NAN
