The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to combating online infringement and blocking illegal music websites, aiming to protect the rights of creators and bolster Nigeria's creative economy.
In a statement commemorating the 2025 World Intellectual Property Day, themed “IP and Music: Feel the Beat of IP,” NCC Director-General Dr. John Asein emphasized the Commission's dedication to fostering a thriving music industry where creativity is respected and creators are fairly compensated. He highlighted the NCC's enhanced capacity to tackle online infringement, supported by the Copyright Act 2022 and the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022. These legal frameworks empower the Commission to take down infringing materials and block websites hosting illegal content.
Dr. Asein called on all commercial users of music to obtain proper licenses from rights holders or their approved representatives, underscoring the legal obligation to ensure creators are fairly compensated. The NCC plans to launch aggressive anti-piracy campaigns targeting the online environment, in collaboration with private sector stakeholders. Additionally, the Commission is committed to establishing legally enforceable standards for transparency, digital audits, and real-time royalty reporting to safeguard the rights of creators and ensure a fair, sustainable music ecosystem.
This initiative aligns with Nigeria's broader efforts to strengthen its creative economy and protect intellectual property rights in the digital age.