The Electronic Information For Libraries (EIFL) has called on President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) to sign the 2022 Copyright Bill into law. This Bill, which was passed by the National Assembly on July 22, 2022, aims to overhaul and modernize Nigeria’s copyright system. It promotes the use of works in the digital environment, fostering a creative and tech-friendly ecosystem. Additionally, it introduces new exceptions for libraries, educational institutions, and individuals with disabilities, enabling these entities to preserve Nigerian creative expression for future generations.
The Bill is particularly significant in safeguarding Nigerian cultural heritage against threats posed by climate change, including increased fires, flooding, and other disasters. Furthermore, it supports education and teaching in the digital age. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the necessity for appropriate exceptions that facilitate online access to digital resources, as libraries transitioned their operations online to support education, research, and local communities. The Bill includes a balanced mix of exceptions and compulsory licenses, ensuring that libraries and educational institutions in Nigeria can continue to serve the public during future pandemics or other emergencies.
According to the EIFL, the Bill also implements the Marrakesh Treaty for individuals with print disabilities, thereby upholding the human rights of those who are blind or visually impaired. It aims to enhance library services for persons with disabilities and facilitate the cross-border exchange of accessible format copies for Nigerians with print disabilities, both domestically and in the diaspora.
The organization emphasizes that the exceptions in the Bill, including the updated fair dealing provision, align with Nigeria’s international treaty obligations and are comparable to those found in the copyright laws of countries with successful publishing industries, such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, EU Member States, and Singapore. These balanced limitations and exceptions are expected to enhance the credibility of the copyright system in the eyes of the public, leading to greater compliance with copyright laws.
In 2021, the EIFL presented its comments on Nigeria’s Copyright Bill 2021 (Executive Bill) during a public hearing organized by the Nigerian Senate. The EIFL supported the 2021 Bill and expressed satisfaction when the text was adopted by the legislature as the Copyright Bill 2022 (SBs. 688 & 769). The final step now is for the President to sign the Bill into law.
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