The President of Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA), Alhaji Lukman Dauda has appealed to the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government to remove import duties levied on all printing materials in order to reduce the cost of book production in the county.
He further urged the government to provide a friendly working environment for the publishing industry in the country while revealing that the industry is currently facing a tough time.
“For the umpteenth time, we call on the government to remove import duties on other printing materials imported for the purpose of book production. Alternatively, the duties on such should be reduced to the barest minimum”.
Dauda, NPA’s 25th president, stated this during a press conference to mark the World Book and Copyright Day at the NPA Secretariat on Wednesday in Ibadan, the capital city of Ibadan.
The President in his speech added that the government should create an enabling environment to attract more investors into the paper industry stating that such move will lead to the cheaper production of books.
He further lamented that the publishing industry is facing a tough time in the country ranging from an unfriendly business environment, piracy which has eaten deep into the book market, and the epileptic power supply among others.
The NPA President further appreciated the efforts of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) while urging the government to ensure that the commission is properly funded to make a desired impact in the fight against piracy in the country.
Adding, “There is need for proper collaborative efforts between the Nigeria Copyright Commission, (NCC), the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in the fight against international and cross border as well as local book piracy”.
Speaking on the theme “Access To Knowledge: Balancing Book Availability and Copyright to mark the celebration of the 2025 ‘World Book and Copyright Day’
“Books, in their different forms-digital or physical- are purveyors of knowledge and allow us to learn and to keep ourselves informed.
“Books are also instructive, entertaining and help us understand the world at large. It is therefore essential for everyone to have access to knowledge through unrestricted access to books. The rise of digital platforms and online libraries has greatly improved access, allowing readers to obtain resources without the constraints of geography or financial means”.
He, however, stated that books accessibility is a collective effort of all stakeholders in the book industry while urging authors, the publishers, distributors/booksellers not to relent in their efforts.
Packaged by Dare Raji
