The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has suspended several .NG domain names involved in the large-scale, unauthorised distribution of copyrighted sound recordings and other creative works, the commission said on Thursday.
Dr John Asein, Director-General of the NCC, disclosed the action in a statement issued in Abuja through the commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Mrs Ijeoma Egbunike.
The enforcement followed a formal request from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) and was carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Internet Registration Association (NiRA).
The suspended domains, taken offline through their respective registrars, include: val9ja.com.ng, tunesloaded.com.ng, votoxnaija.com.ng, music.360media.com.ng, medianub.com.ng, naijalevels.com.ng, and mp3juice.com.ng.
Asein said the websites were confirmed to be engaging in blatant copyright infringement, illegally sharing unlicensed music and audiovisual works belonging to Nigerian and foreign rights holders. “Their activities undermined legitimate digital platforms and deprived creators and investors of due revenue,” he said.
The Director-General noted that the intervention is part of the NCC’s ongoing enforcement programme under the Copyright Act, 2022, which empowers the commission to safeguard creators’ rights and curb online copyright violations across websites, streaming platforms, and other digital channels.
He added that the NCC has worked closely with NiRA and continues to engage domain registrars to ensure the swift suspension of any .NG domain found in breach of copyright law.
“The Commission remains committed to ensuring a safe, lawful, and thriving digital environment for Nigeria’s creative economy,” Asein said, reaffirming the NCC’s resolve to intensify online enforcement and send a strong signal against digital piracy.
Rights holders and the public are encouraged to report suspicious platforms or online activities via stop.copyright.gov.ng.
