COPYRIGHT ACT
Act · Finance
An Act protects the rights of authors, musicians, and creators from unauthorized use of their works. It targets creative professionals, publishers, and users of copyrighted content. The Act promotes a thriving creative industry by preventing piracy.
COPYRIGHT ACT
What Is This Policy?
Nigeria's principal intellectual property legislation protecting the copyright of authors, musicians, filmmakers, and other creative professionals from unauthorised reproduction, distribution, and exploitation of their works.
Who Does It Target?
Authors, musicians, filmmakers, and creative professionals Publishers, record labels, and entertainment companies The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) Users of copyrighted content
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Protect the economic and moral rights of creators, prevent piracy and copyright infringement, promote a vibrant creative economy, and fulfil Nigeria's obligations under international copyright conventions.
Key Features
Protected Works: Covers literary, musical, artistic, cinematograph films, sound recordings, and broadcasts. Economic Rights: Grants copyright owners the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, broadcast, and adapt their works. Moral Rights: Protects the author's right to be identified as creator and to object to derogatory treatment. Infringement Remedies: Provides civil damages and criminal penalties for copyright infringement.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nationwide creative sector Beneficiaries: Creators; creative economy; cultural heritage Funding: NCC operational budget
How to Access
Copyright arises automatically upon creation — no registration required Voluntary registration with NCC provides evidence of ownership Report piracy and infringement to NCC at https://www.copyright.gov.ng Application method: Register works with NCC for evidentiary purposes. Report infringement at https://www.copyright.gov.ng
Important Terms
Copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years Piracy carries criminal penalties of up to 3 years imprisonment Fair use exceptions apply for education, research, and news reporting
Impact & Metrics
Nigeria's creative industry — including Nollywood and Afrobeats — estimated to contribute over $6 billion to GDP annually, with stronger copyright protection driving more investment.
Official Resources
Website: https://www.copyright.gov.ng Contact: Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC)
Legal Framework
Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly as the Copyright Act 2022 (updating the prior Cap C28 LFN 2004). Implements Nigeria's obligations under the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT), the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT), and the WTO TRIPS Agreement. Administered by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) under its enabling Act.