The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has expressed profound appreciation to the Federal Government for the approval and release of N1.2 billion as the first tranche of the long-awaited copyright levy, describing the development as a landmark achievement in the recognition, protection, and monetization of intellectual property in Nigeria.
In a press statement jointly issued by ANA President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and General Secretary, Dame Joan Oji PhD, the association noted that it is one of the beneficiaries of the disbursement by virtue of its membership in the Reproduction Rights Society of Nigeria (REPRONIG), the nation’s recognised collective management organisation for reprographic rights.
ANA commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating visionary leadership through the approval and release of the fund, emphasising that the payment signals a renewed national commitment to safeguarding the creative economy and ensuring that authors receive fair compensation for the use of their works.
It described the intervention as not merely financial support, but as a strong policy statement affirming that literary creativity and intellectual labour are indispensable to national development, cultural diplomacy, education, and the preservation of Nigeria’s diverse voices.
It also lauded the efforts of the Nigerian Copyright Commission under the leadership of Dr. John Asein for its steadfast advocacy, regulatory diligence, and sustained engagement with stakeholders that culminated in the successful implementation of the levy framework.
According to the association, the release of this first tranche represents a turning point in the long struggle of Nigerian writers and publishers to institutionalise copyright remuneration and curb unauthorised reproduction of literary works across educational and commercial sectors.
It emphasised that the copyright levy is an internationally recognised mechanism designed to compensate authors for secondary uses of their works, particularly through photocopying, scanning, and digital reproduction—practices that have historically generated value without corresponding returns to creators.
The writers’ body noted that the initiative strengthens the foundation for a more structured and transparent rights-management system in Nigeria, one capable of ensuring that creators are rewarded for their intellectual contributions while encouraging greater professionalism within the knowledge and publishing industries.
The association further reiterated that the development aligns with global best practices in copyright administration, placing Nigeria on a stronger footing within the international creative ecosystem and reinforcing confidence among writers, publishers, and investors in the cultural sector.
It expressed optimism that sustained implementation of the levy will translate into measurable improvements in authors’ welfare, increased literary production, and renewed interest among young Nigerians to pursue writing as a viable and respected profession.
It therefore called for continued collaboration among government institutions, educational establishments, and industry stakeholders to ensure compliance, transparency, and the equitable distribution of royalties accruing from the use of protected works.
It affirmed that this milestone is not an end but the beginning of a new era—one in which Nigerian authors are not only celebrated for shaping thought and culture, but are also justly rewarded for their labour, thereby strengthening the nation’s intellectual heritage and securing a sustainable future for generations of writers to come.
