The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), has urged young Nigerians to harness the opportunities within intellectual property, to drive innovation, create wealth, and contribute to national development.
Speaking on Sunday to commemorate the 2026 World Intellectual Property Day, the Director-General of the (NCC), Dr. John Asein, said the day highlights the importance of creativity and innovation in fostering economic growth and cultural advancement.
Asein noted that this year’s celebration was particularly significant for Nigeria, as it comes on the heels of the Federal Executive Council’s approval of the country’s first-ever National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy.
According to him, the policy underscores the role of IP as a key driver of innovation, youth empowerment, and sustainable economic development.
He said the 2026 theme, “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate,” reflects the increasing economic relevance of sports and the role intellectual property plays in turning talent into measurable value.
“The theme resonates strongly with Nigeria’s youthful population, whose energy, resilience, and ambition are evident across sports and the creative industries,” he said.
Asein observed that with a large percentage of Nigerians under the age of 30, the country has a unique opportunity to harness the creativity and competitiveness of its youth for economic gains.
He explained that modern sports have evolved into an intellectual property-driven ecosystem, where elements such as broadcasting rights, trademarks,
merchandising, and digital content contribute significantly to revenue generation.
However, he warned that piracy, counterfeiting, and unauthorised streaming of live sports content continue to pose serious threats to the industry.
“These infringements undermine legitimate markets, discourage investment, and threaten the long-term sustainability of the sector,” he said.
The NCC boss disclosed that the Commission has intensified enforcement actions against digital piracy, leveraging provisions of the Copyright Act, 2022, to tackle illegal streaming, cable piracy, and unauthorised public exhibitions.
He added that the Commission is also working closely with other national institutions to ensure a coordinated response to IP violations.
Asein explained that these efforts align with the broader National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy, which supports the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda by strengthening IP generation, protection, and commercialisation across sectors, including sports.
He emphasised that the success of the policy will depend largely on the active participation of citizens, especially young people.
The Director-General, therefore, urged Nigerian youths to acquire knowledge of IP rights, actively engage in the creative ecosystem, and leverage available frameworks to protect and commercialise their ideas.
“In a global economy driven by knowledge and content, intellectual property offers a viable pathway for job creation, wealth generation, and national development,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting respect for intellectual property, strengthening enforcement against infringement, and supporting policies that boost Nigeria’s creative and sports industries.
Asein concluded by encouraging Nigerian youth to play active roles in building a more innovative and prosperous future.
