The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and the National Gallery of Art (NGA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to curb copyright infringement in the visual arts sector and boost the growth of Nigeria’s creative economy.
The MoU was signed by NCC Director-General Dr. John Asein and NGA Director-General Mr. Ahmed Sodangi at the NCC headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
The agreement aims to enhance collaboration between the two organisations to prevent unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, and public display of copyrighted visual artworks.
Speaking at the event, Asein said the partnership would initially focus on the visual arts sector, with plans to replicate similar initiatives across other creative industries.
He emphasised that collaboration between NGA and NCC would enable engagement with other government agencies to further support visual artists.
“For us, this is an important step, reinforcing our commitment to the copyright system, government policies, and the administration’s vision for revamping the creative sector,” Asein said.
He added that the initiative would ensure that Nigerian creatives fully benefit from their work and that the sector contributes maximally to national development.
Asein commended NGA and its leadership for their dedication, noting that both organisations had already begun identifying areas for collaboration and joint action.
He reaffirmed NCC’s commitment to tackling illicit activities in the visual arts sector and called on stakeholders and the private sector to support the initiative.
Also addressing the gathering, Sodangi described the MoU as strategic, highlighting the importance of protecting intellectual property in the visual arts, which relies heavily on creativity and innovation.
He noted that street art and unauthorized reproductions undermine potential revenue for artists and stressed that the agreement represents the beginning of a proactive approach to safeguarding creative works.
Sodangi further explained that collaboration with NCC and stakeholders such as the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) would facilitate the enforcement of copyright protections and the development of supportive policies.
He outlined plans to establish a joint working committee to address issues such as street art infringement and to create frameworks that protect artists’ intellectual property rights.
Sulaiman, President of SNA, welcomed the partnership, noting that while the guild works independently, collaboration with NCC and NGA would strengthen efforts to protect artists’ rights.
He stressed that infringement not only affects revenue but also disrespects the creativity and legacy of artists, citing renowned Italian masters like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Filippo Brunelleschi as examples of artists whose work could not be duplicated.
Suleiman expressed full support for initiatives that protect Nigerian artists’ intellectual property, adding that the enforcement of copyright laws must be taken seriously to preserve the integrity of creative works.