Broadcasting
Copyright Commission, Customs, Impound N20M Container Load of Pirated Books
A container load of suspected pirated books, valued at over N20 million, belonging to different publishers, has been impounded in a joint operation by Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).
The container with laden number CMAU171419/9 had been imported by a forwarding agent, Blessnta Investment Ltd of No. 4, Okuntola Street, Mushin, Lagos for a consignee, identified as Onyigold Logistics Services Ltd of Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos.
Following intelligence supplied by NCC and with the support of the Nigerian Publishers Association, the consignment of 672 cartons comprising different titles belonging to various publishers was intercepted at the Tin Can Ports by officers of the Customs Service. A joint inspection by operatives of NCC and NSC thereafter confirmed that the books were pirated.
The pirated titles included Macmillan’s Champion Primary Mathematics Books 3 and 4, Fully Revised Edition, Pearson’s New General Mathematics for Junior Secondary School Students, Books 2 and 3 by M. F. Macrea; Learn Africa’s New Concept English Book 3 for Junior Secondary School (Fourth Edition); Learn Africa’s New Concept English Books 1 and 3 for Senior Secondary School (Fourth Edition) by J. Eyisi, A. Adekunle, B. Adepoju, F. Ademola, Q. Adams and J. Eto; Learn Africa’s Nigeria Primary English Book 1 (Third Edition); as well as Children Bible Stories and The Beginner’s Bible Stories, a publication of Specialty Books, New York.
At a media briefing, Mr. John O. Asein, the Director-General of Nigerian Copyright Commission, represented by Mr. Vincent A. Oyefeso, Director of Public Affairs, expressed the Commission’s determination to confront copyright piracy on all fronts.
He thanked the Comptroller General and officers of the Nigeria Customs Service for the renewed commitment to the effective collaboration between the two agencies to ensure that no copyright infringing materials are allowed into Nigeria.
In the words of the Director General, “Copyright piracy remains a real threat to the nation as it destroys the creative industry and impoverishes its people”.
He warned that copyright piracy has become more sophisticated and constitutes a threat to national security as intelligence has shown that pirates work with international crime cells and have often been linked to other heinous crimes.
The Director-General noted that because of the zero duty on books, unscrupulous importers now make false declarations either to evade payment of duty or as a decoy to smuggle in prohibited goods.
In the case of the intercepted container, he remarked that the Children Bible Stories were intended to conceal the pirated Nigerian books.
While commending the Customs officers for their vigilance and quick response, the Director-General urged them to be even more vigilant as the new book season approaches.
Mr. Asein reassured stakeholders of Government’s resolve to ensure that they are guaranteed a congenial business environment and adequate return on their investment in the copyright industry.
In his remarks, the Deputy Controller of Customs, Tin Can Ports Command, Mr. Dera Nnadi, stated that the importation of the container load of prated books was in contravention of the Customs Act prohibiting untrue declaration, adding that the importer falsely declared the consignments to be Bibles whereas the bulk of the goods were pirated books in contravention of the Copyright Act.
Mr. Mba Abdullahi, Deputy Controller, representing the Customs Area Comptroller, confirmed: “The interception of the infringing container is the outcome of Customs interagency collaboration and shared intelligence with the Nigerian Copyright Commission”.
He said the container would be handed over to the NCC for further investigation, adding that the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Unit of the Customs Service would work with the NCC to ascertain the source, country of origin and collaborators in the importation of the infringing publications.
“The whole essence is to protect the original copyright owners so that Government will protect intellectual property rights, protect Government revenue and provide security for the nation because money from pirated works can be diverted to fund other criminal activities,” he stated.
“Customs encourages capacity building for its personnel and stakeholders. So, importers are encouraged to take advantage of Customs training facilities to learn more about procedures for legal importation. Other importers should learn from the loss of this illegal importer”, he added.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched the NIMC Pre-Enrolment Portal to revolutionise the National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment process, enabling applicants within Nigeria and in the Diaspora to capture biodata online prior to biometric verification at enrolment centres.
NIMC
Accessible via penrol.nimc.gov.ng, the platform allows users to fill enrolment forms, schedule appointments, upload supporting documents securely, and manage personal details directly, thereby slashing congestion, minimising wait times, boosting data accuracy and enhancing overall service efficiency at centres nationwide.
NIMC Director-General and CEO, Engr. (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, spearheaded the initiative as part of the Commission’s technology-driven strategy to fortify institutional performance, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda that emphasises digital transformation, efficient public service delivery and inclusive national development.
Dr Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, highlighted key benefits including simplified biodata handling, confidential data protection through robust security measures, reduced physical centre visits and heightened operational effectiveness, urging all prospective enrollees to adopt the portal for a faster, citizen-friendly experience.[conversation_history]
The move underscores NIMC’s mandate under the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007 to manage the National Identity Database, issue NINs and foster a reliable digital identity ecosystem vital for national planning, with users advised to complete pre-enrolment online before heading to selected centres for biometrics.
MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), a Pan-African film and television training institution, has announced the opening of applications for its 2026 intake.
MultiChoice
The fully funded programme is open to African graduates aspiring to become directors, filmmakers, scriptwriters, producers and storytellers.
According to MultiChoice, the nine-month accredited curriculum combines online learning with intensive in-person training, and is designed to balance theoretical knowledge with practical immersion.
MTF academies are located in Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia, and serve aspiring filmmakers from 14 African countries. Since its inception in 2018, the initiative has trained 296 filmmakers, with graduates producing more than 42 movies aired on DStv, GOtv and Showmax platforms.
Organisers said alumni of the programme have gone on to establish over 50 production companies, while many continue to work within the MultiChoice ecosystem.
Graduates have also won accolades at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Kalasha Awards, Uganda Film Festival and Women in Film Awards.
Applications for the 2026 intake close on Feb. 27, 2026. Interested candidates can visit https://apo-opa.co/3XW53oE for programme requirements.
Broadcasting
Davido, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Karl Toriola, Others To Be Honoured At The Most Influential People of African Descent Awards In Lagos
Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) is excited to announce the Lagos Diaspora Experience 2025, a week-long celebration of African art, culture, innovation, and connection, culminating in the End of the Year Awards & Celebration on Sunday, December 21st, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria.
The Most Influential People of African Descent Awards
This historic occasion marks the first time the world-famous Most Influential 100 Recognition & Awards Ceremony—traditionally held in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)—will be hosted in Lagos, Nigeria.
The week will feature events such as Diaspora Day at the Fela Exhibition (Afrobeat Meets Diaspora), Cultural Heritage Day, and Business Leadership Luncheons, all culminating in the awards celebration.
The evening will honor the Best & Brightest of the Year, recognizing exceptional individuals and institutions whose work has advanced Global African Achievement and Black Excellence across business, government, media, culture, and technology.
Key Recognitions for 2025
– Governor of the Year & City of the Year: His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, honored alongside Lagos as City of the Year for its global leadership in culture, innovation, tourism, and diaspora engagement.
– Her Excellency Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, will be honoured as Minister of the Year for her contribution to the creative economy’s role in nation branding and cultural diplomacy.
– Most Influential Woman of the Year: Olorì Atúwàtse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom
– Most Influential Man of the Year: Adewale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive, OANDO
– CEO of the Year: Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria; who will deliver a keynote address, recognized for his transformative leadership and impact on Nigeria’s telecommunications and digital economy.
Others include; Karl Toriola of MTN as CEO of the year, Uche Pedro of Bella Naija as Lifestyle Personality Of The Year, Ojy Okpe of Artise News as Most Influential News Anchor Of The Year, Stephanie Busari as Media Executive of the Year, Kayode Okikiolu as Pressman of the year, Davido as Artist of the year and several others.
In celebrating this year’s honorees, Michael Ehindero, Managing Director, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, owners of Martell Cognac, who emerged as Brand Of The Year expressed deep appreciation for the brand’s continued global recognition, saying: “It’s a great reward for the team who’s delivered Martell excellently in Nigeria over the years.
“We say thank you to the teams, we say thank you to our consumers and we say thank you to MIPAD.
“Martell has a lot of promising experiences in the years to come in Nigeria and with this we invite you over to Nigeria to experience Detty December”.
The ceremony will also celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025 Honorees, alongside past Nigerian honorees who were unable to attend their year of recognition in New York.
“For the first time, we’re bringing our world-famous recognition platform home to celebrate excellence within the Global Africa Family — right here in Lagos,” said Kamil Olufowobi, Founder & Chairman of MIPAD. “This is more than an event; it’s a movement uniting the best of us — connecting, collaborating, and working together to change the world.”
Event Details
📍 Lagos, Nigeria
– Friday, Dec 19 – #DettyDec Diaspora Day at Fela Exhibition FREE
– Sunday, Dec 21 – End of Year Recognition & Award Ceremony STRICTLY BY INVITATION
🎟️ RSVP: https://rsvp.oakenevents.com/mipad
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