Technology firm Microsoft Nigeria has called on the West Africa’s government agencies and corporate organisations to work together in the fight against software and intellectual property pirates.

Speaking at the Anti-Counterfeiting Collaboration (ACC) of Nigeria’s fifth roundtable held in Lagos, Microsoft officials said the war against piracy would not be successful unless all stakeholders put in place certain
measures.

Speaking at the forum, Ijeoma Abazie, head of corporate affairs at Microsoft Anglophone West Africa, gave tips on how to address software piracy, its various forms, how it has undermined the industry’s ability to innovate, its impact on limited economic growth in economies around the world and how it puts consumers’ data and security at risk.

She highlighted the benefits of curbing software piracy that include job creation, higher tax revenues and safety.

Abazie said there was an urgent need to draft and enact an internet protocol bill for Nigeria to align the country with international best practice and technological developments.

Abazie recommended the enhancement of enforcement using dedicated specialised IP enforcement, investigating and prosecuting resources and cross border cooperation among law enforcement agencies (LEAs) across West Africa.