Commission to reform framework of copyright protection – DG

Mr Afam Ezekude, the Director-General, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) says it is taking steps to reform the framework of the copyright protection to respond to challenges of the digital environment.

Ezekude made this known at the inauguration of the National Working Group on Copyright Licensing in Tertiary Institutions organised by the Reproduction Rights Society of Nigeria (REPRONIG) on Tuesday in Abuja.

“This is why the commission initiated the reform of copyright system which includes review of the copyright treaty obligation to reflect emerging trends in information and communication technology that affect creative contents.

“The new draft copyright bill will among others provide for the processes of taking down infringement creative content on any digital network subject to appropriate conditions and safeguards.

“Service providers who fail to follow laid down processes will be exposed to liability in civil and criminal prosecutions because scope of offence will accommodate infractions on the digital platform.

“However, the drafted bill is currently at the final stages of vetting by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

“It will subsequently be presented to the Federal Executive Council for onward transmission to the National Assembly for legislative action,’’ Ezekude said.

The NCC boss said that the Federal Executive Council recently approved the ratification of four copyright treaties to which Nigeria had signed the formal acts.

The treaties include World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Copyright Treaty of 1996 and the WIPO Performance and Phonograms Treaty of 1996.

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Others are Beijin Treaty for the Protection of Audio-visual Performance of 2013 and the Marrakesh Treaty on Provision of Access to Publish Materials for the Blind and Persons with visual impairment.

“The commission is following up to ensure that the instruments of ratification of these treaties are deposited with WIPO as soon as possible.

“In anticipation of this development, the commission had also taken a proactive step of ensuring that the current draft copyright bill reflects the various standards stipulated in the treaties.

“As a policy and regulatory institution, the commission is committed to ensuring a stable author/user environment for the exploitation of creative works for the benefits of both,’’ he said.

Ezekude expressed confidence that the National Working Group on copyright licensing in tertiary institutions would achieve its objectives of recommending appropriate strategies.

He said that these strategies should ensure that authors and tertiary institutions maximised the benefits derivable from the collective management of copyright system to meet their licensing obligation.

The Chairman, Board of REPRONIG, Prof. Olu Obafemi said that the event was a demonstration of new policy of inclusiveness and consultations in addressing the collective management of rights in literary field.

“Studies have confirmed the huge volume of photocopying of books, other materials and reckless abuse of copyright that goes on in our tertiary institutions.

“One would have thought that the heads of these institutions, themselves being authors would be more concerned but unfortunately the practice still goes on.

“With the exception of Covenant University, no other institution in Nigeria has obtained a reproduction license.

“By taking a blanket license, tertiary institutions will avoid legal repercussion of activities of staff and students.

“This will also show the need to respect copyright, promote and encourage creativity,’’ Obafemi stressed.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the objectives of the working group include imparting knowledge about the importance and working of reproduction rights.

It is also to develop a practical and efficient system for the users to meet their obligations under collective management system.

Others are to recommend appropriate strategies to ensure that tertiary authors and institutions maximise the benefit derivable from the system of collective management of rights.

The group would also consider the terms of a draft framework and tariff for users.

This will go a long way to checkmate the reckless photocopy of authors’ works in tertiary institution across the country and put back money in the pockets of copyright owners and publishers.

NAN also reports that participants in the forum include Prof. Aize Obayan, former Vice Chancellor of Covenant and LandMark Universities, Dr Masa’udu Kazaure, Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education.

Others in the group include Prof. Michael Afolabi, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria, NCC boss, Ezekude and other relevant stakeholders.