By Palma Ileye
Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has called for greater access to books and other published works for blind, visually impaired and print-disabled persons, stressing the need to eliminate barriers that prevent them from accessing knowledge and educational materials.
The Director-General of the Commission, Dr. John Asein, made the call on Thursday to mark the 2026 White Cane Day, observed on October 15, with the theme, “Promoting Independence, Inclusion and Equal Access for Persons Who Are Blind.”
Asein said the proposed portal would provide a trusted national platform for identifying and facilitating access to books and other published works available in accessible formats.
According to him, the initiative would support authorised entities, improve the discovery of accessible materials, reduce unnecessary duplication and encourage collaboration among authors, publishers, libraries, educational institutions, organisations of persons with disabilities and other stakeholders.
He said the inability to read conventional print should not prevent anyone from accessing education, conducting research, advancing professionally or participating in the country’s cultural and intellectual life.
The NCC Director-General noted that Section 26 of the Copyright Act, 2022, provides a legal framework for improving access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print-disabled.
He explained that the provision gives effect to the principles of the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled.
According to him, the law permits the production and supply of accessible-format copies to eligible beneficiaries through authorised entities, subject to appropriate safeguards, while facilitating the lawful exchange of such works across national borders.
Asein, however, stressed the need to translate the existing legal provisions into practical benefits for persons with print disabilities.
He said the proposed portal was part of the Commission’s efforts to ensure that accessible books could be identified and obtained through a clear, efficient and reliable system.
The Director-General added that the initiative would also protect the interests of authors, publishers and other copyright holders by ensuring that accessible-format copies were produced and used transparently and in accordance with the law.
He called on authors and publishers to partner with the Commission in expanding access to books, urging the publishing industry to make publications available in accessible formats wherever practicable.
Asein further advocated the adoption of “born accessible” publishing, a practice in which books and digital publications are designed from the outset to be compatible with screen readers and other assistive technologies.
He said accessibility should become an integral part of publishing practice rather than an afterthought.
The DG noted that the Commission’s current initiatives build on its longstanding “Let the Blind Read” campaign and continued engagement with organisations of blind persons, authors, publishers, libraries, educational institutions, technology providers and development partners.
He stressed that no child should be disadvantaged because a textbook was inaccessible and no person should be excluded from knowledge because of how they read.
Asein reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting equal access to published works, calling on stakeholders to support efforts to ensure that blind and print-disabled persons could participate fully in education and society.
He concluded by reiterating the Commission’s call on Nigerians to embrace the message: “Let the Blind Read.”
