The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) conducted a major anti-piracy raid in the Ajegunle Boundary area of Lagos State on Friday, seizing pirated books valued at approximately N20 million.
Led by Mr. Charles Amudipe, Deputy Director and Head of Operations at the Lagos Office, the operation involved copyright officers and security personnel.
Mrs. Lynda Alphaeus, Director of the Lagos Office, represented NCC’s Director-General, Dr. John Asein, and emphasized the Commission’s commitment to combating piracy nationwide. “Piracy has been a significant issue for publishers, authors, and the economy, and the NCC maintains a zero-tolerance policy on copyright infringement,” she stated.
The raid targeted five suspected outlets along Ojora Lane and Calabar Road in Ajegunle. During the operation, several bookshops and warehouses believed to store pirated materials were inspected, leading to the seizure of unauthorized books. Alphaeus reported some resistance from shop owners, but with security personnel present, the operation proceeded without major disruptions.
Alphaeus warned against any involvement in piracy, noting that those found guilty will face legal consequences. She highlighted that the NCC has ramped up its enforcement over the past five years and is committed to prosecuting offenders to protect Nigeria’s creative industry and intellectual property.
“The NCC’s intensified actions are a strong signal of its dedication to supporting the nation’s creative sector,” Alphaeus affirmed.
