New Copyright Era Begins As FG Releases First Tranche To Writers, Publishers
A Long-Awaited Breakthrough for Literary Creators
NIGERIA’S literary community is celebrating what many describe as a historic turning point following the Federal Government’s disbursement of ₦1.2 billion under the copyright levy scheme. The payment, released from the Copyright Levy Fund, represents the first tranche under the framework established by the Copyright Act, 2022 — and signals a renewed commitment to protecting intellectual property as a pillar of national development.
The Reproduction Rights Society of Nigeria (REPRONIG), Nigeria’s licensed Collective Management Organisation (CMO) for text and image-based works, described the development as a “definitive victory” for authors and publishers whose livelihoods depend partly on secondary uses of their works.
For years, the copyright levy scheme existed in principle but remained largely dormant. The recent activation of the fund is therefore being viewed not merely as a financial intervention but as the practical realisation of legislative intent.
From Dormant Law to Operational Policy
Under Nigeria’s copyright regime, reprographic rights cover the reproduction of literary works through photocopying, digital scanning and other secondary uses. In many countries, such uses generate remuneration for right holders through collective management systems.
According to REPRONIG Chairman, Mr. Gbadega Adedapo, the ₦1.2 billion disbursement demonstrates that intellectual property protection in Nigeria is transitioning from theory to tangible economic support. Authors and publishers — often described as “secondary right owners” — rely on such compensation streams to supplement income in an industry challenged by piracy, limited distribution networks and fluctuating book sales.
The scheme is supervised by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), the statutory body responsible for copyright administration. REPRONIG operates as Nigeria’s Reprographic Rights Organisation under the Commission’s regulatory oversight.
Adedapo commended the NCC’s leadership for navigating the legal and administrative complexities associated with implementing the levy, noting that diligent stewardship was essential to translating the Copyright Act, 2022 into practical benefits for creators.
Presidential Backing and Policy Alignment
In its statement, REPRONIG expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, describing the activation of the levy as evidence of decisive leadership aligned with broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s creative industries.
According to the organisation, intellectual property protection is increasingly recognised worldwide as a driver of economic growth. By operationalising the levy scheme, the government has reinforced the message that creativity is not merely cultural capital but also an economic asset deserving of structured protection and reward.
The payment is seen as a confidence booster for Nigeria’s copyright ecosystem, reassuring creators that their rights can be effectively enforced and fairly compensated.
Who Benefits?
REPRONIG’s membership remains open to individual authors, publishers, assignees and associations of right holders. The society represents a broad spectrum of literary works, including novels, short stories, poetry, plays, scripts, textbooks, essays, anthologies, law reports and computer programs, whether in print or digital format.
By joining the organisation, creators gain access to a structured remuneration system that compensates them when their works are reproduced for educational, institutional or private use.
Beyond direct financial relief, REPRONIG argues that fair compensation strengthens the publishing industry, encourages sustained creativity and supports the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
International Endorsement
The milestone has also drawn commendation from the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations (IFRRO), REPRONIG’s global partner. In a letter signed by its Secretary General and CEO, Anita Huss Ekerhult, IFRRO described the payment as a significant achievement in Nigeria’s copyright journey.
The federation welcomed the implementation of private copying remuneration and praised the cooperation between REPRONIG and the NCC, noting that effective collective management is essential to building a sustainable copyright framework.
International recognition underscores the broader implications of the development: Nigeria is aligning more closely with global best practices in copyright administration.
A Foundation for the Future
As creative economies gain prominence worldwide, the monetisation of intellectual property has become central to economic policy discussions. For Nigeria — a nation with a vibrant literary tradition — the operationalisation of the copyright levy scheme could unlock new value across publishing, education and digital innovation sectors.
REPRONIG has pledged to work closely with the NCC to ensure that distribution of funds remains transparent, equitable and efficient. The organisation also aims to reach grassroots associations of right holders, ensuring that both established and emerging writers benefit.
For many in the literary community, the ₦1.2 billion disbursement marks more than a payment. It represents recognition — a formal acknowledgment that authors and publishers are integral contributors to national development.
If sustained, stakeholders say, the initiative could herald a new era in which Nigerian creativity is not only celebrated but economically empowered.
