Dr. John Asein, the Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), has charged relevant professional associations on the establishment of clear guidelines that will promote the proper use of software, while urging them to proactively support copyright enforcement in Nigeria.
Dr. Asein made this call during an interactive workshop on the legal use of software in the engineering, construction, and building design sectors, held in Abuja.
Welcoming participants, he explained that the initiative was necessitated by the need to align with global best practices, boost professionalism and create seamless cross-border opportunities for Nigerian firms. He underscored the indispensability of software applications such as AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, and Navisworks in design, structural analysis, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) within today’s technology-driven environment.
Highlighting the dangers of using pirated, unauthorised, or non-compliant software, Dr. Asein warned of legal risks and project failures that could compromise client safety and trust. “Compliance is not merely a legal obligation but an investment in operational safety, project integrity, and long-term profitability,” he stressed, noting that lawsuits, fines, and settlements from infringement often exceed the cost of legitimate licenses.
He further reiterated that Nigeria’s copyright framework is designed to protect the intellectual investments of right owners and innovators, including software developers.
He cautioned against offences such as unauthorised reproduction, possession, or distribution of pirated software; circumvention of digital rights management systems; and compromise of technological protection measures, infractions that attract heavy fines and possible imprisonment.
Dr. Asein urged Chief Executives to reinforce internal controls, conduct periodic software audits, and foster a culture of compliance across all levels of their organisations.
Declaring the workshop open, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice and Solicitor-General of the Federation, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, reaffirmed government’s commitment to creating a legal environment that fosters technological growth while safeguarding intellectual property.
The Permanent Secretary who was represented by Mrs. Aramide Adepoju, Assistant Director in the Solicitors’ Department, described the workshop as timely, offering a platform for legal practitioners, engineers, designers, and policymakers to engage in ethical and lawful deployment of critical software tools.
“The discussions here will no doubt promote awareness, reduce the risks of software piracy, and encourage adherence to licensing regulations, thereby supporting innovation while upholding the rule of law,” Mrs. Jedy-Agba affirmed.
Deputy Director and Head, Regulatory and Compliance, Mr. Kunle Olatunji, delivered a presentation on: Licensing and other Intellectual Property Issues in the Construction and Engineering Industry while the Technical Sales Manager at Worldsview, Engr. Abubakar Lawal (MNSE, MNICE, ACP) also presented a paper on: The Benefits of Using Genuine Autodesk License Software.
The workshop was attended by representatives from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the private sector, professional bodies, officials of the Nigerian Copyright Commission and Worldsview – Autodesk Incorporated.
