The Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Dr John Asein, has decried the high rate of piracy and other forms of intellectual property (IP) infringement, particularly the unauthorised streaming of live sports content in Nigeria.
Asein said the trend continues to undermine legitimate markets, discourage investment, and threaten the long-term sustainability of the sector.
He made this known during a novelty volleyball match organised by the NCC between staff of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) on Monday in Ibadan.
The match was held to commemorate the 2026 World Intellectual Property (IP) Day, set aside to recognise 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, Asein said young Nigerians continue to demonstrate exceptional talent and global competitiveness in sports and the broader creative industry.
He said this makes it imperative to translate their potential into sustainable economic outcomes through the effective use of IP.
According to him, IP provides a practical pathway for wealth creation, job creation, 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.
“Modern sports have evolved beyond physical performance into a sophisticated, IP-driven ecosystem.
“Broadcasting rights, trademarks, merchandising, digital content, and technological innovations now form the backbone of the sports economy.
“The protection and proper management of these rights are essential to ensure that athletes, investors, and other stakeholders derive fair value from their contributions,” he said.
Asein also said the NCC has intensified enforcement efforts to combat digital piracy and related infringements, leveraging provisions of the Copyright Act, 2022.
He encouraged Nigerian youths to acquire knowledge of IP rights.
He disclosed that the commission has deployed modern enforcement mechanisms to tackle illegal streaming, cable piracy, and unauthorised public exhibitions.
Asein added that these efforts align with the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy, a comprehensive roadmap under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“These measures are supported by ongoing collaboration with relevant national institutions to ensure a coordinated and effective response.
“The policy provides a structured approach to strengthening the creation, protection, and commercialisation of intellectual property across key sectors, including sports.
“The success of this policy depends not only on institutional frameworks but also on the active participation of citizens, particularly young people, who are its primary beneficiaries,” he said.
In her goodwill message, Oke said the match was organised to demonstrate that athletes’ interests are protected.
She added that the commission would continue to ensure athletes receive due rewards from sporting investments and activities.
At the end of the three-round match, Team A, representing NSCDC, defeated Team B of NIHORT 2–1 to emerge the overall winner of the 2026 World IP Day game.
