Dr. John Asein, the Director–General, Nigerian Copyright Commission, NCC, has encouraged young lawyers in the country to tap from the rich resources offered by IP in the evolving world.

The DG made these remarks during his address at a Capacity Building Training on Copyright organised by the Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA) Unity Branch Abuja for members of Young Lawyers Forum Unity Branch FCT, held at the JK Gadzama Court in Abuja.

Speaking further, the DG explained that such training is the Commission’s focused attempt at ensuring that adequate knowledge was acquired on copyright and IP in general.

He said the training platform was one of such collaborations with critical stakeholders to enable individuals and organisations understand the workings of the copyright eco-system and how it can be explored for economic benefits.

According to the DG ‘’The NCC is interested in having a pact with all persons and organisations interested in IP so we can mentor them to boost knowledge on the operations of the Copyright System.’’ adding that ‘Copyright law is a good entry point into IP and other areas of technology and all that the digital environment is bringing.’’

Commenting on the recently signed Copyright Act 2023, the DG assured that the Bill has much to offer to the development of the Copyright Industry and would propel interest and growth in different sectors of the economy.

Speaking at the event, Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association, (NBA) Unity Branch, Mr. Afam Okeke commended the Commission for the initiative to train young lawyers on copyright stating that the training was conceptualized during the courtesy visit of the Unity Bar to the NCC recently.

The Chairman assured the lawyers that the event was intended to impart knowledge on copyright and IP emerging aspects of the Legal profession with huge economic benefits. According to him ‘’IP and copyright are a goldmine that when fully harnessed has the potentials of satisfying the economic needs of law practitioners and boosting the economy in general.’’

The Bar Chairman urged members to use the training as an opportunity to explore and interrogate issues and potentials in the fast-growing field.

He expressed optimism that the presentations would do justice to many areas of copyright which would add value to their knowledge of the field.

The first presentation was done by the Director, Nigerian Copyright Academy, Mr. Collins Nweke who looked at the topic “General Overview of Copyright and Related Rights in Nigeria”.

Mr. Obi Ezeilo, Director Operations, NCC presented a paper on the topic, “Understanding Infringements, Actions and Remedies under the Copyright Act”; A presentation on “WIPO Services and Capacity Building Opportunities for Young Lawyers” was handled by head, WIPO Nigeria Office, Oluwatobiloba Moody; while the last presentation on “Copyright Issues in the Digital Environment: Challenges and Opportunities” was presented by the Director, Regulatory and Compliance, NCC, Mr. Mike Akpan.

The Chairman of the Young Lawyers Forum, Mr. Ambaleze Okeke in his vote of thanks appreciated the NCC and WIPO Office for the presentations on copyright and related issues noting that the training he believes has significantly exposed members of the Forum to different issues of Copyright.

He commended the resource persons for their excellent presentations while also expressing the profound gratitude of the Chairman, FCT Unity Branch to all organisations involved in the collaboration.

The Meeting had over fifty young lawyers in attendance with an interactive session where a number of issues based on the four presentations for the day were reviewed.