By PRISCILLA OSAJE

The Management of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has condemned the attack on its officers and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel at Sabo Market, Sagamu, Ogun.

The Director- General of NCC, Dr John Asien, condemned the attack in a statement by the Director, Public Affairs, Mrs Ijeoma Egbunike, in Abuja on Saturday.

Asien said that the officers were only providing security during an anti-poracy operation.

According to him, the enforcement team was ambushed shortly after identifying and impounding pirated books found in an unmarked shop in the market.

He commended the officers of both agencies for their restraint in the face of this provocation.

?I salutes their gallantry and unwavering commitment to the commission?s renewed campaign against copyright piracy and the disruption of unwholesome activities that threaten Nigeria?s creative industries.

?Working with relevant authorities and the market executives, the commission will ensure that those behind this brazen attack are identified and brought to book.

?It is an offence under the Copyright Act to obstruct, hinder, assault, or impede a copyright officer in the lawful performance of his duties or in the exercise of powers conferred by the Act.?

Asein further said that NCC remained resolute in its mission to stem copyright piracy and guarantee that Nigerian creators enjoy the full benefits of their intellectual labour.

?We will not relent in fulfilling our statutory mandate, particularly at this time when the Federal Government is prioritising the creative and copyright-based industries for employment generation, wealth creation, and national development.

?We call on all stakeholders, market executives, community leaders, school proprietors, industry practitioners and members of the public to join forces with the commission in the fight against copyright piracy.

?This is in line with the national call for all hands to be on deck in our collective responsibility to build a greater and better Nigeria,? he said. (NAN)

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