Customs and Copyright Commission join forces to combat piracy in Nigeria

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has declared its commitment to partnering with the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) to combat piracy of intellectual and creative property in the country. The Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adeniyi, announced this collaboration during a meeting with members of the Commission at the Customs Corporate Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

Welcoming the delegation, CGC Bashir Adeniyi expressed optimism that this collaboration would pave the way for both organizations to establish a lasting legacy aimed at eradicating the menace of piracy in Nigeria. He revealed that the Nigeria Customs Service had finalized plans to collaborate with various stakeholders, enhancing its programs and training its staff in all aspects, particularly in combating piracy.

Highlighting the significance of organizing training programs for Customs officers to tackle piracy effectively, the CGC stated, “The program will introduce officers and men of the Service to new values and expertise that would enhance their capacity and morale to fight piracy.”

The Comptroller-General conveyed his appreciation for the collaboration, emphasizing the pivotal role of protecting creative and intellectual property in contributing to the country’s economic growth.

In response, Dr. John Asein, the Director-General of the Copyright Commission, expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Customs Service for its ongoing efforts and stressed the importance of addressing piracy of intellectual and creative property. He explained, “The idea behind paying this courtesy visit was to congratulate you on your appointment and to extend our hands for collaboration to end piracy. Apart from strengthening the creative skills of officers and men in various sectors, the commission would achieve its mandates by working with the Nigeria Customs Service.”