The Executive Bill to repeal and re-enact the Copyright Act, 2004 and enact the Copyright Act, 2021 has been passed for Second Reading in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Trade and Investment for further legislative action.
Presenting the debate on the Bill, at the plenary session of Tuesday, 28 September 2021, the Majority Leader of the Senate, Sen. Abdullahi Yahaya (APC: Kebbi) informed lawmakers that the Bill provides a legal framework for copyright protection in Nigeria as well as facilitate Nigeria’s compliance with obligations arising from relevant international copyright treaties and conventions.
On the objectives of the Bill, Sen. Yahaya stated that the Bill, specifically seeks to enhance the effectiveness of the Nigerian Copyright Commission’s administration, and enforcement of the provisions contained therein. He also explained that the proposed legislation will effectively protect the rights of authors, creative artists, entrepreneurs and investors; guarantee access to creative works; and encourage cultural interchange.
Earlier on Wednesday, 7 July 2021 the President of the Senate, Sen. Ahmad Lawan (APC: Yobe), at the plenary officially announced receipt of the Bill transmitted by President Muhammadu Buhari for consideration and passage.
