Journal of Information and Knowledge (Formerly SRELS Journal of Information Management)

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Publishing and Copyright Laws in Nigeria: A Critical Review


Affiliations
1 Department of Library and Information Technology, Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria
2 Department of Library and Information Science, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Unwana, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
3 Library Division, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Unwana, Afikpo, Ebonyi, Nigeria
     

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This paper examines the state of publishing and copyright laws in Nigeria while considering the historical context, current impact, and the pressing need for reform. Publishing not only preserves and propagates knowledge but also stimulates economic growth. However, the vitality and sustainability of this sector heavily depend on the legal framework governing it, primarily the copyright laws. These laws are not only essential for safeguarding intellectual property but are also pivotal in ensuring the prosperity of authors and publishers alike. A comprehensive review of the state of publishing and copyright laws in Nigeria reveals a multi-faceted narrative, one fraught with historical legacies, contemporary challenges, and a pressing need for reform. An examination of the publishing and copyright laws in Nigeria, suggests that this dynamic relationship significantly impacts the nation’s cultural and economic landscape. The Nigerian publishing industry, with its rich literary tradition and vibrant creative voices, stands as a testament to the importance of effective copyright legislation. The paper observes that Nigeria’s copyright laws suffer from inadequacies in adapting to the digital age, weak enforcement mechanisms, and limitations in international recognition. These issues hamper the industry’s growth and hinder the full realization of its potential. Nonetheless, there is hope on the horizon. The Nigerian government has recognized the importance of reforming copyright laws and supporting the creative sector. The paper recommends that the government should embark on a comprehensive review and update of the Copyright Act to address digital rights, licensing, and enforcement issues, making it more relevant to the digital age and Nigeria should actively engage in international agreements and organizations that promote copyright protection. This engagement will enable the global recognition of Nigerian works and expand market access for local publishers.

Keywords

Copyright, Laws, Digital Rights, Intellectual Property, Nigeria, Publishing
User
About The Authors

Bolaji David Oladokun
Department of Library and Information Technology, Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom
Nigeria

Elizabeth Orieoma Ndubuisi-Okoh
Department of Library and Information Science, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Unwana, Ebonyi State
Nigeria

Chukwu Okoche
Library Division, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Unwana, Afikpo, Ebonyi
Nigeria


Notifications

  • Adebayo, N. (2018). Officials launch campaign against online copyright infringement. NLIP Watch. https://nlipw.com/ china-news-officials-launch-campaign-against-onlinecopyright- infringement/

  • Anyaegbu, M. I., Obiamaka, U. N., & Adafor, M. R. (2016). Piracy and its effect on the book industry in Delta State. International Organization of Scientific Research, 6(4), 118-121.

  • Edosomwan, A. (2019). Protecting intellectual property rights in Nigeria: A review of the activities of the Nigerian Copyright Commission. World Patent Information, 58, 101- 115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wpi.2019.101908

  • Faga, H. P., & Ngozi, O. (2011). Limits of copyright protection in contemporary Nigeria: Re-examining the relevance of the Nigerian Copyright Act in today’s digital and computer age. Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journal of International Law and Jurisprudence, 2, 19-29.

  • Modi, R., Vasmartkar, A., & Nandekar, U. P. (2023). Relationship between human rights and copyright law: Bibliometric analysis. Journal of Intellectual Property Rights, 28(1). https://doi.org/10.56042/jipr.v28i1.535

  • Nworie, J. C., Nworie, H. O., & Nwaigbo, G. I. (2019). Assessment of the practice of copyright infringement among university library personnel in South-West, Nigeria. Journal of Library Services and Technologies, 1(1), 19-30.

  • Odu, J. O., & Bassey, R. S. (2015). Copyright legislation and the prevalence of book piracy: A case study of Calabar metropolis in Nigeria. International Journal of Academic Research and Reflections, 3(6), 33-42.

  • Okunade, S. O., Alimi, A. S. & Olayiwola, A. S. (2023). Intellectual property rights protection and prospect of industrial development in Nigeria. International Journal of Intellectual Property Management, 13(1). https://doi. org/10.1504/IJIPM.2023.129079

  • Ola, K. (2014). Evolution and future trends of copyright in Nigeria. Journal of Open Access to Law, 2(1), 1-36.

  • Olatunji, O. A. (2013). Copyright regulations under the Nigerian Copyright Act: A critical analysis. NIALS Journal of Intellectual Property, 2(1), 47-83.

  • Samuel, E. C. (2019). Nigerian Weekly Law Reports (NWLR): Everything you need to know [Blog post]. https://bscholarly. com/nigeria-weekly-law-report/

  • Uzo, U., Mair, J. & Adewusi, A. (2023). How firms strategically navigate informal and formal copyright practices: Insights from Nollywood. International Journal of Organizational Analysis, 31(2), 508-532. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOA-06- 2020-2236

  • Yahaya, D., Ejigbo, D. S., & Oladokun, B. D. (2019). An overview of national policy on information in Nigeria. International Journal of Academic Library and Information Science, 7(6): 166-173.


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  • Publishing and Copyright Laws in Nigeria: A Critical Review

Abstract Views: 149  |  PDF Views: 2

Authors

Bolaji David Oladokun
Department of Library and Information Technology, Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria
Elizabeth Orieoma Ndubuisi-Okoh
Department of Library and Information Science, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Unwana, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Chukwu Okoche
Library Division, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Unwana, Afikpo, Ebonyi, Nigeria

Abstract


This paper examines the state of publishing and copyright laws in Nigeria while considering the historical context, current impact, and the pressing need for reform. Publishing not only preserves and propagates knowledge but also stimulates economic growth. However, the vitality and sustainability of this sector heavily depend on the legal framework governing it, primarily the copyright laws. These laws are not only essential for safeguarding intellectual property but are also pivotal in ensuring the prosperity of authors and publishers alike. A comprehensive review of the state of publishing and copyright laws in Nigeria reveals a multi-faceted narrative, one fraught with historical legacies, contemporary challenges, and a pressing need for reform. An examination of the publishing and copyright laws in Nigeria, suggests that this dynamic relationship significantly impacts the nation’s cultural and economic landscape. The Nigerian publishing industry, with its rich literary tradition and vibrant creative voices, stands as a testament to the importance of effective copyright legislation. The paper observes that Nigeria’s copyright laws suffer from inadequacies in adapting to the digital age, weak enforcement mechanisms, and limitations in international recognition. These issues hamper the industry’s growth and hinder the full realization of its potential. Nonetheless, there is hope on the horizon. The Nigerian government has recognized the importance of reforming copyright laws and supporting the creative sector. The paper recommends that the government should embark on a comprehensive review and update of the Copyright Act to address digital rights, licensing, and enforcement issues, making it more relevant to the digital age and Nigeria should actively engage in international agreements and organizations that promote copyright protection. This engagement will enable the global recognition of Nigerian works and expand market access for local publishers.

Keywords


Copyright, Laws, Digital Rights, Intellectual Property, Nigeria, Publishing

References





DOI: https://doi.org/10.17821/srels%2F2024%2Fv61i2%2F171320