AWKA/Nigeria: The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) is seeking stronger cooperation with regulatory and security agencies, alongside improved staff performance, to tackle copyright violations and protect the rights of creative industry practitioners in Anambra and Delta states.
The new Anambra State Commandant of the Commission, Mr Peter Edokobi, made the appeal on Wednesday during a formal handover ceremony at the NCC headquarters in Awka, where he assumed responsibility from the outgoing commandant, Assistant Director, Gabriel Anikwen.
Edokobi urged members of staff to demonstrate greater commitment, initiative and professionalism, stressing that effective copyright administration required collective responsibility and cooperation within the institution.
He described leadership as a continuing institutional responsibility, noting that different officers could be entrusted with the task as opportunities arose.
The new commandant also called on writers, publishers, musicians, performers, broadcasters, film producers and other stakeholders in the creative sector to strengthen their relationship with the Commission.
He assured copyright owners and performers that their intellectual property rights would receive attention, adding that the Commission remained committed to protecting creative works against infringement and unauthorised exploitation.
Beyond the creative industry, Edokobi identified collaboration with other government institutions as essential to tackling the circulation and commercialisation of illicit products.
Among the agencies he specifically mentioned were the Nigeria Customs Service, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency.
Others include the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Police Force, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, Department of State Services and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
He said closer working relationships with these institutions would strengthen enforcement operations and improve the Commission’s ability to address copyright-related offences.
Edokobi’s posting to Anambra was approved by the Director-General of the NCC, Dr John Asein, in September 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen the Commission’s operations in the state.
The Anambra Command also has jurisdiction over Delta State, making its activities relevant to copyright owners, publishers, performers and other creative industry operators in both states.
The Nigerian Copyright Commission is the Federal Government agency responsible for administering copyright protection, enforcing relevant laws and prosecuting copyright-related offences.
Its operations are guided by the Copyright Act, 2022, which provides the legal framework for protecting creative works and related rights in Nigeria.
