Bible, other religious, faith-based publications protected under copyright law – NCC warns

By Priscilla Osaje

Dr John Asein, Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), has said the Holy Bible and other religious and faith-based publications enjoyed full protection under copyright law.

A statement by the outfit’s public affairs director, Ijeoma Egbunike, indicated that the NCC boss made the statement position during the handing over of seized Bibles to stakeholders for humanitarian use.

According to Asin, while the sacred message convened by the Bible is divine and timeless, the particular expressions of that message including translations, annotations, commentaries and notes are intellectual creations protected as literary works.

“Under Section 9 of the Copyright Act, 2022, copyright owners possess exclusive rights to reproduce, publish, distribute, communicate and adapt their works.

“These rights extend fully to religious texts, including various editions and translations of the Bible, Qur’an and other sacred writings.

“The works protected include those from other countries with which Nigeria has treaty obligations and that will include the 182 countries that are contracting parties of the Berne Convention,” he said.

The NCC helmsman emphasised that no person or organisation was permitted to reproduce, import, print, distribute or sell such works without the authorisation of the copyright owner.

According to him, an unauthorised reproduction or importation of religious texts constitutes copyright infringement, which is a criminal offence under Nigerian laws, and such acts are not merely technical violations.

He said such acts undermine the legitimate rights and investments of publishers and translators, and distort the integrity and authenticity of sacred texts.

“It fuels illicit trade networks that deprive the economy of lawful revenue and erode the moral foundation upon which respect for creativity and knowledge is built.

“The Commission will therefore continue to intercept, seize and prosecute cases involving the illicit importation and reproduction of religious and other copyrighted works in line with its statutory mandate.

“As a member of the World Trade Organisation, Nigeria is bound by the provisions of the TRIPS Agreement.

“The agreement imposes clear obligations on member states to prevent pirated goods from entering or circulating within legitimate channels of commerce,” he said.

He said the commission was working closely with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and other enforcement agencies to ensure that pirated materials were intercepted at the borders and removed from commercial circulation.

According to hum, in line with provisions of the law, infringing copies were liable to forfeiture and destruction, stressing that the commission has in recent times carried out the destruction of pirated books and materials across Nigeria

“However, in the case of the Holy Bible and other faith-based materials, the commission has taken a measured and culturally sensitive approach.

“Out of profound respect for the sanctity of these texts and the religious sensibilities of Nigerians, the commission considers it inappropriate to burn, tear, or otherwise mutilate such materials even where they are infringing copies.

“Instead, the seized Bibles,now clearly marked “Not for Sale” and thereby removed permanently from the channels of commerce.

“They are being redirected for strictly non-commercial humanitarian use, particularly to correctional centres and similar institutions where they can serve a positive rehabilitative purpose,” he said.

He also reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to combating the circulation of pirated books in the physical space and online platforms.

Asein said it was imperative to protect the rights of authors, publishers and other creators to ensure they got rewards for their creativity by preventing the circulation of pirated works.

According to him, the handing over event is both symbolic and instructive as it reflects the commission’s dual commitment to upholding the law and respecting the deep spiritual values of the Nigerian people.

Asein said piracy was not only an offence against the law of the state, but also an offence against God and humanity.

He added that it violates the principles of honesty, stewardship and respect for the work of others.

“We remain resolute in our commitment to protecting the rights of authors, publishers and creators by preventing the circulation of pirated works in the physical space and online.

“It is in promoting lawful access to knowledge and upholding both the legal and moral foundations of our society.

“The Commission is using this opportunity to call on religious clerics, scholars and leaders of thought to imbibe the tenets of copyright and actively teach their followers to shun piracy in all its forms.

“Religious institutions must lead by example in ensuring that all materials used for worship, teaching and dissemination are lawfully sourced and properly licensed, and by doing so, they reinforce both legal compliance and moral authority.”

According to the DG, the handover of the items represents the commission’s balanced, firm and constructive approach to copyright enforcement.

He urged all stakeholders to join the commission in building a culture where creativity would be respected, rights were protected and integrity is upheld.

NCC is Federal Government agency charged with the promotion, administration, regulation and enforcement of copyright in Nigeria under the Copyright Act, 2022.

(NAN)