Booksellers shun piracy, welcome Book Policy move

By Ada Anioji

Booksellers in Nigeria have affirmed their determination to continue to shun the practice of piracy in all of its ramifications and to also co-operate with the authorities and other stakeholders in the ecosystem in battling the scourge to a standstill.

They have equally pledged their commitment to work with other stakeholders to address existing hiccups in the traditional book chain while also joining other initiatives geared towards ensuring the coming into force of a Nigerian national Book Policy in the shortest possible time.

These were part of the resolutions contained in a Communique issued by the Booksellers Association of Nigeria, BAN at the close of the Booksellers Conference held last week at the Harbour Point Events Centre, and as part of the activities of the Nigerian International Bookfair 2022.

At that session, the Booksellers Association of Nigeria had hosted a Conference on Repositioning Bookselling in Nigeria: A Call to Greater Action. The full text of the communique which was signed by the association’s President, Mr Dare Oluwatuyi, and General Secretary, Henry Ekom Itauma reads:

‘Booksellers should take delight in the fact that they are carrying out a noble and valuable service in society.

Distortions in the book chain in Nigeria and developments in the technology space have imposed heavy burdens on the practice of bookselling in the country that need to be addressed.

Booksellers were enjoined to collectively and individually take up the challenge of upskilling and retooling themselves and their operations to be able to address the new dynamics.that have been called up.

In addition to continued regular attendance and participation at the Nigerian International Book Fair, more opportunities should be created for booksellers to continually discuss matters related to their trade among themselves through stand-alone conferences and workshops that are convened by BAN.

Other stakeholders in the book trade and government should open up to more readily supporting and cooperating with booksellers in order to ensure a win-win scenario for all.

Booksellers in Nigeria, organised under the aegis of the Booksellers Association of Nigeria, BAN restate their total aversion to piracy and copyright violations and pledge to continue working with all other stakeholders in containing and combating the scourge. They also undertake to continue to work with other stakeholders in correcting the existing distortions of the book chain and towards ensuring the speedy coming into effect of the long-overdue National Book Policy.’

R-L: BAN President, Dare Oluwatuyi; The Booksellers Chairman, Dr Kolade Mosuro; Mr Abiodun Olaniran of Havilah Group; Mr Dayo Alabi of The Book Company and Eriata Orhibabor of the Association of Nigerian Authors, at the event