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ARTICLE · 16 OCTOBER 2025

Nigeria Sharpens Copyright Enforcement With Asset-Recovery Powers

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The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has been designated a "relevant organization" under the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022, marking a significant shift in the country's approach to copyright enforcement.

NigeriaIntellectual Property
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The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has been designated a "relevant organization" under the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022, marking a significant shift in the country's approach to copyright enforcement.

This new status empowers the NCC not only to prosecute copyright offences but also to trace, freeze, seize, manage, and confiscate assets and financial benefits derived from copyright crimes. Notably, the Act allows for both conviction-based and non-conviction-based asset recovery, meaning the NCC can pursue the proceeds of infringement even without a criminal conviction, using civil proceedings where necessary.

The NCC is now authorized to collaborate closely with other law enforcement agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Police, enabling a coordinated response to piracy and related offences. The Act also grants the NCC powers to manage

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