FG Urges Legal Compliance in Digital Tool Use to Curb Piracy, Protect Innovation
As Nigeria accelerates its shift toward a digitally driven economy, the Federal Government has called for stricter compliance with legal and intellectual property standards in the use of engineering and design software, warning that unchecked piracy could undermine the nation’s innovation ecosystem.
Speaking at a sensitisation workshop in Abuja, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, emphasized the need for ethical and lawful software usage across sectors such as engineering, design, and construction. The event was organized by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) in partnership with WorldsView Technologies (Autodesk).
“Software has become the backbone of innovation and design in Nigeria. The increasing reliance on digital tools makes it imperative that their use aligns with intellectual property laws and best practices,” Jedy-Agba stated, in a speech delivered on her behalf by Assistant Director Mrs. Aramide Elizabeth.
New Copyright Law Targets Digital Misuse
The call for responsible software deployment comes amid the implementation of the Copyright Act 2022, signed into law in March 2023. The re-enacted law introduces robust provisions to protect digital content, incorporating balanced exceptions, limitations, and safeguards that reflect Nigeria’s international treaty obligations.
According to the Ministry of Justice, the law aims to curb rampant software piracy, ensure fair compensation for developers, and strengthen copyright administration and enforcement mechanisms.
“We must safeguard the rights of creators and innovators. Software piracy not only destroys value—it erodes jobs, revenue, and investor confidence,” the ministry warned.
Software Piracy: A Threat to Nigeria’s Digital Future
At the heart of the workshop was a focused conversation around Autodesk software licensing, led by Mr. Abubakar Lawal, Technical Sales Manager at WorldsView Technologies. He highlighted the tangible benefits of using genuine, licensed design tools, particularly in the construction and engineering sectors.
These benefits include:
- Legal compliance and protection
- Access to full software features and updates
- Improved team collaboration and efficiency
- Dedicated technical support and service reliability
- Predictable ROI and reduced operational risks
“Using unauthorised software may seem like a cost-saving measure, but it comes with long-term legal, financial, and technical risks,” Lawal said.
Creative Industries at Risk Without IP Enforcement
Mr. Femi Ajala, Head of Operations at the NCC, stressed that software is now a core component of Nigeria’s creative economy, akin to film and music—two industries that have suffered greatly from piracy.
“Software piracy is a real and present threat. It discourages investment, weakens professional credibility, and could drive software developers and firms out of business,” Ajala warned.
He urged creators, developers, and users to prioritise intellectual engagement and share insights on how to manage software more responsibly, especially in the face of rising digital adoption and remote work dynamics.
BRANDECONOMY INSIGHT: Compliance-Driven Tech Adoption Is Now a Business Imperative
Nigeria’s tech-enabled industries—from engineering and architecture to film, animation, and fintech—are increasingly dependent on software infrastructure. However, innovation must go hand in hand with legal frameworks that protect creators and ensure fair use.
The FG’s push to ensure digital compliance is timely, as Nigeria seeks to:
- Improve its Ease of Doing Business ranking
- Foster foreign investment in the digital economy
- Support tech talent development and IP monetisation
- Position Nigeria as a regional innovation hub under AfCFTA
Failure to curb piracy now could erode confidence in Nigeria’s digital transformation drive, deter multinational partnerships, and sabotage long-term industry growth.
What’s Next?
With enforcement of the new Copyright Act now underway, the Ministry of Justice and NCC are expected to:
- Roll out nationwide digital rights education campaigns
- Tighten enforcement and introduce software licensing audits
- Strengthen public-private partnerships with global tech brands
- Encourage industry-wide adoption of legal software procurement policies
Stakeholders are also encouraged to access updates and legal resources via www.copyright.gov.ng and www.autodesk.com.
