Chairman Gbadega Adedapo signed a statement thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He credited the government with showing ‘decisive political will’ to activate the long-dormant levy. ‘This receipt of the first ₦1.2 billion tranche signals a new dawn for creators nationwide,’ Adedapo said.

The funds stem directly from the Copyright Act, 2022. They aim to compensate right holders for secondary uses of literary works, such as photocopying in schools, offices and libraries. Adedapo called it a ‘definitive victory for secondary right owners in the literary field.’ He said the move positions intellectual property as a driver of Nigeria’s economic growth.

REPRONIG also lauded NCC Director-General Maj. Gen. Augustine Amajama (rtd.) for his leadership. ‘The commission’s diligence and expertise navigated the complexities of this levy’s implementation,’ Adedapo stated. He emphasized that NCC’s work ensures creators in the literary sector receive protection and fair pay.

Membership in REPRONIG remains open to a wide range of stakeholders. Individual authors, publishers and assignees qualify, regardless of format. Eligible works include novels, stories, poetry, plays, textbooks, essays, anthologies, law reports and computer programs—whether print or electronic. Adedapo stressed that the organization compensates members for secondary exploitation of their intellectual property. This revenue supports national development, education and culture, he added.

REPRONIG pledged full cooperation with NCC guidelines. The group promised transparent, efficient distribution through right holders’ associations. ‘We reaffirm our readiness to ensure this intervention reaches the grassroots of Nigeria’s literary community,’ Adedapo said. He predicted the funds would empower writers and publishers, boost reading culture and revitalize the publishing sector.

The praise extended beyond Nigeria’s borders. The International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations (IFRRO), REPRONIG’s global partner, sent a commendation letter to NCC. Secretary General and CEO Anita Huss Ekerhult signed it. IFRRO hailed the first payment of private copying remuneration to REPRONIG, a valued member.

‘This milestone marks a concrete step toward effective implementation of the private copying system,’ Ekerhult wrote. She commended Amajama’s personal engagement and NCC’s cooperation with REPRONIG. IFRRO highlighted the progress in building a balanced copyright ecosystem in Nigeria. The federation looks forward to continued collaboration under NCC’s current leadership.

The levy scheme addresses a gap in creator compensation. For years, provisions existed on paper but lacked enforcement. Now operational, it could generate ongoing revenue. REPRONIG handles collection and distribution for reprographic rights, distinct from other CMOs covering music or film. Officials expect the initial ₦1.2 billion to flow soon to eligible beneficiaries.

Industry watchers see this as a boost for Nigeria’s creative economy. Publishers have long complained about unremunerated copying. Authors, especially in education and textbooks, stand to gain most. The NCC confirmed the payment in recent statements, tying it to the 2022 act’s mandates.

Adedapo wrapped up by thanking Tinubu and NCC directly. He called the action ‘bold and significant’ for Nigerian authors, publishers and the nation.