NCC trains over 100 senior officers on service delivery

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), in collaboration with Michael Imoudu Institute of Labour Studies (MINILS), on Tuesday in Ilorin trained over 100 senior officers on effective regulatory service delivery.

Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Dr John Asein, speaking at the opening of a 5-day workshop for the officers at the (MINILS) said that many Nigerians wrongly assume that online content is free to use, while major users such as broadcasters and hotels often fail to comply with payment obligations.

Asein noted that although new legal provisions now allow the commission to settle copyright offences through fines thereby reducing delays associated with court proceedings adding that low public awareness remained a major challenge.

The Director-General said the agency plans to make its staff engagement programmes a regular annual event, describing the initiative as a sign of renewed hope within the commission. 

He explained that the commission is evolving into a new phase, having achieved key goals, particularly in adapting to the global shift from analogue to digital systems, with results surpassing expectations.

He also urged rights owners not to relent in the fight against intellectual property abuse, noting that piracy is largely driven by public behaviour. 

He warned that the widespread consumption of pirated content threatens Nigeria’s creative future, especially among the youth population.

Asein further highlighted collaboration with the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies as a means of strengthening institutional partnerships and addressing emerging digital labour concerns. 

He commended the media for its support but encouraged it to intensify efforts in raising awareness, noting that media practitioners are also rights owners.

On inclusivity, he said Nigeria is making progress in protecting the rights of persons with disabilities through provisions in the new copyright law. 

He charged participants, whom he described as moving to the directorate level, to address any gaps in their profession.

"In life, there will always be areas of strength, areas of weakness, but if you bring them together, you can synergize and have a strong institution.

"I urge you to please put away all the worries of where your colleagues are from, don't be overstressed by the worries and the inconveniences of every day. Just know that you are here for a purpose.

"The one thing I can assure you is that just as we are asking you to do more, we will also do more to make it easier for you to give us what we expect to make Nigeria better and of course, to ensure that the renewed hope that we are all part of is realised in our time", the DG said.

While declaring the workshop open, the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari, represented by the Kwara State Controller, Mr Michael Orodiran, commended the management of NCC for deeming it fit to train its operatives. 

Maigari charged participants to make the best use of the opportunity to learn and relearn.

Earlier, the Director-General of MINILS, Comrade Issa Aremu, represented by the Director of the Trade Union Education Department, Dr Michael Raji, welcomed participants to the programme and expressed appreciation to the NCC Director-General for his presence and support.

Aremu said that although similar programmes had been held in the past, the current batch recorded an unprecedented turnout, reflecting strong interest and commitment among participants. 

He commended them for their dedication, emphasising that the programme was designed to encourage innovation, smart thinking and strategic action rather than lengthy speeches.

"Achieving new results requires adopting new approaches, facilitators would engage participants interactively rather than through conventional lectures.

"I urge you to apply the knowledge gained, practically in your respective fields and to always do the right thing in your professional roles", he said.

A participant, Mrs Kehinde Adeshina,  who spoke with News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)  said she attended the workshop with high expectations, expressing eagerness to learn and gain valuable experience. 

Adeshina said that her goal was to acquire additional skills and knowledge to enhance her capacity and improve her performance at work.

Another participant, Mr Amos Abutu, commended the NCC Director-General for organising the programme, describing it as a valuable opportunity for staff development. 

Abutu expressed optimism that the training would lead to career growth, improved job performance and noticeable changes in service delivery among staff.

He added that such opportunities were rare but assured that participants would maximise the experience to enhance their professional development and contribute more effectively to achieving the commission’s goals and mission.