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Reps C’ttee Raises Concern Over Insufficient Funding For Copyright Commission
Saheed Badmus
Nigerian House of Representatives Committee on Justice has raised concern over insufficient funding for the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), which affects its ability to enforce copyright laws effectively nationwide.
This was expressed during the committee’s oversight visit to the NCC and the Ministry of Justice, on Tuesday, in Abuja.
Committee chairman Hon. Olumide Osoba highlighted the importance of legislative oversight in protecting citizens’ rights, ensuring transparency, and maintaining efficient public-sector operations.
He emphasized that oversight provides the public with assurance that legislative policies are being implemented as intended.
Ogun State federal lawmaker, Hon. Osoba said, “It is an honor to be here today as we gather here under the authority vested in us by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), specifically Section 88, which empowers the National Assembly to conduct oversight on all ministries, departments, and agencies, with the aim of ensuring they act within the framework of the law and remain accountable to the Nigerian people.
“Our duty in this regard is not only a constitutional mandate but a vital responsibility that ensures accountability, transparency, and good governance within the government.
“Our visit today emphasizes the importance we place on the protection of intellectual property and the promotion of Nigeria’s creative industries.
“As the Nigerian Copyright Commission, your mandate to safeguard intellectual property rights is vital to our nation’s economic growth, fostering creativity, innovation, and cultural expression. We recognize the efforts you’ve made, particularly through initiatives like the Nigerian Copyright e-Registration System (NCeRS) and the Strategic Action Against Piracy (STRAP).
“The objectives of our oversight duties are wide-ranging but centered around one core mission: to protect the rights and liberties of our citizens by curbing potential excesses within government structures.
“Through oversight, we aim to ensure that public resources are used efficiently and effectively, prevent waste, and increase transparency in government operations enhances public trust and ensures that executive policies truly reflect the public interest.
“This commission’s mandate directly aligns with the oversight goal of ensuring that policies authorized by the legislature are effectively delivered to benefit our society.
“We also seek to evaluate the NCC’s compliance with statutory and legislative directives, assess the quality and caliber of personnel administering its programmes, and examine the impact of these initiatives on stakeholders, including creators and intellectual property holders.
“This evaluation allows us to identify areas for legislative intervention and develop informed legislative proposals to support the NCC’s work further”.
On his part, the Director General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) John Asein explained that while the copyright levy has surpassed the 6-billion-naira mark, the funds are not held directly by the commission, limiting its access and control.
He noted that due to this arrangement, the NCC has not been able to channel funds to rightsholders in the private sector, including musicians, writers, and filmmakers, through their collective management organizations.
Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Beatrice Jedy-Agba, also highlighted recent accomplishments since May 2023, as well as ongoing challenges, such as inadequate budget allocations for capital needs, payments to external solicitors, staff shortages, and low wages for state counsel and support staff.
She noted that the ministry has initiated several renovation projects to improve staff welfare, including updates to the reception area, staff toilets, and the multipurpose hall.
Following the visit, Hon. Olumide Osoba stated that the committee will review NCC funding, particularly regarding the copyright levy managed in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service.
At the Ministry Of Justice, the committee members led by its chairman, Hon. Olumide Osoba discussed about the recent arraignment of minors behind closed doors
He explained that the committee now understands the context and has addressed the matter.
The chairman also noted that the ministry had clarified recent reports about renovations at its premises.
