By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has urged both the Federal and State Governments to promote a stronger reading culture and protect the rights of writers in Nigeria.
The organisation made the call on Thursday in Lagos in a statement marking World Book and Copyright Day, where its Communications Officer, Idowu Adewale, highlighted the importance of books in shaping informed citizens and sustaining democratic values.
According to the organization, poor access to books and weak copyright enforcement has continue to undermine knowledge development and creativity.
Adewale said books, whether printed or digital, remain essential tools for education, cultural expression, and the protection of fundamental rights, despite the rapid growth of digital technologies.
“Books are central to informed citizenship and the exercise of fundamental freedoms.
“Even in a digital age, their relevance has not diminished.”
He pointed out that many Nigerians, particularly those in rural and underserved communities, still struggle to access books and educational materials due to high costs, inadequate public library systems, and limited digital infrastructure.
According to him, these challenges prevent young people and low-income earners from fully participating in the knowledge economy.
Adewale also raised concerns about the growing threat to intellectual property rights, noting that authors and publishers face increasing cases of piracy, unauthorised reproduction, and weak enforcement of copyright laws.
“These challenges not only affect the livelihoods of creative professionals but also discourage innovation and creativity,” he said.
He stressed that the right to access and share information, as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights frameworks, depends largely on the availability of books and knowledge resources.
“Strengthening both access to books and the protection of intellectual property is essential for inclusive development and democratic discourse,” Adewale added.
MRA called on governments at all levels to invest in revitalising public libraries and expanding access through digital technologies. It also urged policymakers to implement measures that make books more affordable, including support for open access initiatives.
The group further recommended stronger enforcement of copyright laws, while ensuring that such laws do not limit access to information. It also called for grants, incentives, and capacity-building programmes to support local authors and publishers, as well as the integration of reading culture initiatives into national education policies.
Adewale urged private sector organisations, civil society groups, and educational institutions to collaborate in promoting reading habits and expanding access to knowledge through technology.
World Book and Copyright Day, established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), celebrates books as vital instruments for education, cultural exchange, and freedom of expression, while also promoting the importance of protecting the rights of authors.
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