In order to govern the printing and publishing sector in the best interests of the book industry, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has emphasized once more the necessity of increased cooperation among stakeholders.
This statement was made by Dr. John O. Asein, Director-General of the NCC, as a Special Guest at the International Paper, Printing and Publishing Expo (IPPEX 2024) inauguration in Abuja.
Additionally, he praised DCS Integrated Media Limited and its partners for expanding the yearly event’s focus to include the global aspects of trade.
In a statement released on Friday, he acknowledged the benefits of new technologies in a society that is becoming more digital and knowledge-driven, but he also called attention to the disruption they are generating in the copyright ecosystem and the creative economy.
For the sake of authors and investors, he therefore gave stakeholders his word that the Commission will not back down from its pledge to create safer pathways for the creation, dissemination, and commercial exploitation of copyrighted works.
To revitalize Nigeria’s paper and printing industry, the DG-NCC emphasized that “we must provide the necessary incentives for authors to create and for publishers to patronize local printers in Nigeria.”
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Additionally, publishers and printers were urged by academia and other industry participants to use more environmentally friendly materials in their publications.
On behalf of the Deputy Director, Research and Innovation, Dr. Hauwa V. Ibrahim, the Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan, urged industry participants to think about how their operations affect the environment and collaborate with academia to improve university publishing standards.
She listed some of the standards that universities have for the industry, including quality and innovation, the use of state-of-the-art technology, and customized publishing solutions that are affordable and accessible.
Mr. Alonge Kayode, the CEO of Printway Limited, noted that the government’s support and intervention are essential to the industry’s growth and that it has great potential as one of the nation’s largest employers of labor.
Mr. Kayode called on industry professionals and regulatory bodies to improve their cooperation.
He listed local raw material manufacturing, attracting additional investors, and obtaining capital at a single-digit competitive rate as some of the issues that need to be resolved to support the printing sector.
In order to demonstrate contemporary printing technology and exchange perspectives on industry-changing prospects, publishers and equipment suppliers took part in the show.
Stakeholders such as academics, government representatives, industry enthusiasts, and inventors were also present at the event. The Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, represented by Mrs. Olumuyiwa Abosede Hayi-Ade, Deputy Director, Industrial Development; Mrs. Grace Samuel, Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC); Mr. Innocent Agbanu, Chairman, FCT Branch of Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA); and Comrade Babajide Salako, President/Chairman in Council, Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON) were among the other special guests in attendance.
