The Nigerian Copyright Commission has recently said it intercepted three shipping containers laden with 3000 cartons of pirated books worth about N300 million at Onne Port, Rivers State.
This was disclosed by the Director-General of the commission, Dr. John Asein in a press statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday, according to nairametrics.
Asein said the containers with 3000 cartons of pirated books were intercepted at Onne Port, Rivers, in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and the Department of State Services.
According to the NCC Boss, the copyright of the pirated books belongs to publishers such as Africana First, Bounty Press, Evans, Learn Africa, Macmillan, Metropolitan and University Press Plc.
Asein underlined the evolution of pirate tactics and noted a rise in illegal book imports from Asia, impersonating agents of foreign printers.
He said “Our main headache used to be with locally printed books which are easy to identify due to their poor production quality.
“But, we have since, seen a surge in the importation of pirated books, especially from Asia with quality, competing with their originals.
“Many of these pirates who are agents of foreign printers now have the audacity to come into Nigeria to scout for businesses.
“Sometimes they share lists of their pirated stock with prospective customers in Nigeria through rogue networks.
“In some cases, the imports are compromised, and the documentation doctored to deceive enforcement agencies.”
The DG pointed out that several pirates have taken advantage of the zero duty for books, while dubious importers make false declarations in documentation to bypass duties.
He underscored the Commission’s commitment to implement more stringent measures, which includes working with Customs to introduce the online pre-shipment certification scheme to check illicit imports of books and other copyright materials.
He advised importers, clearing agents, and warehouses to be wary and ensure all necessary checks are carried out in their transactions particularly when it comes to book business.
