The Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) marked the 2025 World Book and Copyright Day with a strong appeal to government authorities to take decisive action against book piracy, improve access to books, and create a more favorable environment for the publishing industry. At a press briefing held at the NPA Secretariat in Ibadan, the association’s President, Alhaji Lukman Dauda, used the occasion to highlight the growing challenges faced by publishers and the urgent need to protect intellectual property.

World Book and Copyright Day, celebrated annually on April 23 and established by UNESCO, serves as a global call to recognize the role of books in education, culture, and development. This year’s theme, “Read Your Way,” emphasizes the importance of making reading accessible and enjoyable for all. The NPA, aligning with the global celebration, adopted a related focus on improving book availability while safeguarding copyright.

Dauda noted that books remain a fundamental pillar in achieving several sustainable development goals. He emphasized that access to reading material is key to individual and national development, especially in an era defined by digital access and interconnected learning systems. However, he stressed that efforts to expand access must be balanced with respect for copyright, which is essential to encourage creativity and reward authors and publishers fairly.

The NPA president raised alarm over the persistent and escalating issue of book piracy in Nigeria. He warned that piracy not only cripples the business prospects of legitimate publishers but also deprives the government of tax revenue. He revealed that pirates have now advanced to the level of mass-importing high-quality counterfeit books, some of which are sold knowingly by buyers simply looking for cheaper alternatives.

Dauda applauded the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) for its continued collaboration in tackling the menace. He expressed optimism about a new initiative involving holograms to verify the authenticity of books. He called on the government to fully enforce the recently revised Copyright Law and ensure that those involved in piracy face strict penalties.

While acknowledging digital innovations that have made books more accessible, Dauda said Nigeria’s publishing environment remains unfriendly. He lamented that virtually all raw materials for book production are imported, with high exchange rates and import duties making production costly. He noted that although a new paper mill has been established in Ogun State, more investment is needed in local paper and printing supply chains. Due to the high cost of production, publishers now often operate simply to stay afloat rather than turn a profit.

He urged the federal government to eliminate or drastically reduce import duties on printing materials used for educational books. This, he said, would encourage investment, increase production, and lower the final cost of books to consumers.

The NPA also called for greater funding of the NCC and better cooperation between the commission and other security agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service and the police to clamp down on piracy—both within and outside Nigeria’s borders. Dauda stressed the importance of public awareness campaigns to discourage patronage of pirated materials and promote respect for intellectual property.

He called for improved library infrastructure across schools and communities to make reading materials more readily available, and emphasized the need to rekindle interest in book reading, especially among young people. He noted that with no market for stolen intellectual property, pirates would be forced to seek legitimate livelihoods.

As part of the celebration, the NPA urged Nigerians to mark the day by reading a book—whether new or one already read—as a personal commitment to continuous learning and literacy.

In closing, Dauda reaffirmed the association’s dedication to promoting reading culture and protecting the interests of both creators and consumers of books. He thanked the press and stakeholders for their continued support and called on everyone to play a part in building a stronger, more literate, and copyright-respecting society.