Book piracy and Nigerian copyright law
| Pages | 22-25 |
| Date | 01 February 1998 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/01435129810198558 |
| Published date | 01 February 1998 |
| Author | Clement Olujide Ajidahun |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science |
Introduction
Book piracy, often used synonymously with
plagiarism, is becoming a permanent phe-
nomenon both in the literary world and in the
publishing industry. The term is described as
a flagrant infringement of copyright on intel-
lectual property and an utter disregard for
ownership or authorship of literary works
which include textbooks, essays, articles,
encyclopedias, dictionaries, law reports, and
enactments, tables or compilations among
many others (Dada, 1989, p. 276). In other
words, using another person’s opinion, ideas
or works as if they were one’s own and without
making any attempt at acknowledging their
true source can be regarded as plagiarism
(The Guardian, 1989). But Akinwumi (1983)
described the term as the total removal, dupli-
cation or reproduction and other biblio-vices
that are connected with the printed word.
Copyright on the other hand is the right
given by legislation to the author of a work
which enables him to decide whether and how
his work is to be published and prevent any
injury or mutilation of his intellectual off-
spring (Stephen, 1983, p.3).
The devastating and grave consequences of
bibliopiracy both on an individual author and
on the nation at large, and the uncompromis-
ing and unyielding attitude of pirates despite
the existing copyright law, have been giving
one much concern. Nalley (1990) observed
that:
The greatest evil of piracy has always been its
debilitating onslaught on creative and intellec-
tual output and pursuit. In this, the Nigerian
pirate has been more deadly than his interna-
tional counterparts. For though piracy is piracy,
the pirate in Hong Kong, Singapore, or Man-
hattan who pirates Hollywood, is like a man
who tries to vandalise a century old oak tree,
while his Nigerian counterpart smashes the
tendril of the hibiscus. Most devastating
(Nalley, 1990).
Higher educational institutions in Nigeria like
their international counterparts are often
regarded as citadels of learning and academic
excellence. Unfortunately, they are among the
greatest offenders of biblio-piracy although
they are a microcosm of the macrocosm.
According to Akinwumi (1983):
These higher institutions are the worst offend-
ers – lecturers and professors photocopy chap-
ters of books until whole books are cyclostyled
under the pretext of helping the students
through handout.
22
Library Management
Volume 19 · Number 1 · 1998 · pp. 22–25
© MCB University Press · ISSN 0143-5124
Book piracy and
Nigerian copyright law
Clement Olujide Ajidahun
The author
Clement Olujide Ajidahun is a Librarian 1 at the Ondo
State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.
Abstract
The Nigerian copyright Decree No. 47 of 1988 gives
protection to copyright owners with stiff penalties in the
event of violations and piracy. This paper considers these
provisions of the law in relation to the persistent book
famine in the country, and offers suggestions which might
help enhance the execution of the law.
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