Our Reporter, Abuja
Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on federal and state governments to take urgent steps to promote a reading culture, expand access to knowledge, and strengthen the protection of authors’ rights in Nigeria.
The organisation made the call on Thursday in Lagos in a statement marking this year’s World Book and Copyright Day.
MRA’s Communications Officer, Idowu Adewale, said books—whether in print or digital formats—remain vital to informed citizenship, cultural expression, and the protection of fundamental rights, despite the ongoing global digital transformation.
He noted that access to books and educational materials remains uneven across Nigeria, particularly in rural and underserved communities. According to him, high book costs, limited public library infrastructure, and inadequate digital access continue to hinder many Nigerians, especially young people and low-income groups, from fully participating in the knowledge economy.
Adewale also highlighted growing challenges faced by authors, publishers, and other creative professionals in protecting their intellectual property. He said piracy, unauthorised reproduction, and weak enforcement mechanisms—especially in the digital space—are undermining livelihoods and discouraging innovation.
He stressed that the right to seek, receive, and impart information, as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights instruments, depends largely on the availability and accessibility of books and knowledge resources.
“Strengthening both access and protection is essential to sustaining democratic discourse and inclusive development,” he said.
The group urged governments at all levels to revitalise and expand public library systems and leverage digital technologies to improve access to educational resources. It also called for policies that promote affordable access to books through digital platforms and open-access initiatives.
MRA further advocated stronger enforcement of copyright laws while ensuring a balance that does not restrict access to information. It also called for support for local authors and publishers through grants, incentives, and capacity-building programmes, as well as the integration of reading culture initiatives into national education policies.
Adewale urged private sector players, civil society organisations, and academic institutions to collaborate in promoting reading habits, supporting local content creation, and using technology to broaden access to knowledge.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization established World Book and Copyright Day to celebrate books as tools for education, cultural exchange, and the promotion of freedom of expression, while also highlighting the importance of copyright systems that reward creativity and ensure access to knowledge.
