The Director-General (D-G) of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Dr John Asein, has decried the high rate of piracy and other forms of intellectual property infringement, particularly the unauthorized streaming of live sports content in Nigeria.
Asein said that the act has continued to undermine legitimate markets, discourage investment and threaten the long-term sustainability of the sector.
The D-G stated this during a novelty volleyball game organized by the NCC between members of staff of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) on Monday in Ibadan.
The game was in commemoration of the 2026 World Intellectual Property (IP) Day, a day set aside to recognize the critical role of human creativity and innovation in advancing economic growth and cultural development.
Represented by the NCC Oyo State Coordinator, Mrs Oluropo Oke, the D-G said that young Nigerians continue to demonstrate exceptional talent and global competitiveness across sports and the wider creative industries.
This, he said, made it imperative to translate the potential of youths into sustainable economic outcomes through the effective use of IP.
According to him, IP provides a practical pathway for wealth creation, job generation and national development.
“The theme for this year, ‘IP and Sports: Ready. Set. Innovate.’, is both timely and compelling.
“It reflects the growing importance of sports as an economic sector and underscores the role of IP in transforming talent into tangible value.
“Contemporary sports have evolved beyond physical performance into a sophisticated, IP-driven ecosystem.
“Broadcasting rights, trademarks, merchandising, digital content and technological innovations now constitute the backbone of the sports economy.
“The protection and proper management of these rights are essential to ensuring that athletes, investors and other stakeholders derive fair value from their contributions,” he said.
Asein also said that the NCC has intensified its enforcement efforts to combat digital piracy and related infringements, leveraging the provisions of the Copyright Act, 2022.
He encouraged Nigerian youths to acquire knowledge of IP rights.
He disclosed that the commission had deployed modern enforcement mechanisms to address illegal streaming, cable piracy and unauthorized public exhibitions.
Asein added that the enforcement actions are situated within the broader framework of the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy, a comprehensive roadmap aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“These measures are complemented by ongoing collaboration with relevant national institutions to ensure a coordinated and effective response.
“The policy provides a structured approach to strengthening the generation, protection and commercialization of intellectual property across key sectors, including sports.
“The success of this Policy will depend not only on institutional frameworks but also on the active participation of citizens, particularly young people, who are its primary beneficiaries,” he said.
The NCC State Coordinator, in her goodwill message, said that the game was organized to demonstrate to the public that the interests of athletes are protected.
Oke said that the commission would keep ensuring that athletes get their due rewards from sporting investments and activities.
At the end of the three-round encounter, Team A, representing NSCDC, defeated Team B of NIHORT 2–1 to emerge overall winner of the 2026 World IP Day game. (NAN)
