Abuja: The Federal Government says collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) will expand intellectual property protection, commercialisation, and access to opportunities for businesses and innovators. Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ roundtable discussion with WIPO officials on Accelerating Nigeria’s Innovation Ecosystem in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the theme of the meeting was ‘Innovation-Driven Intellectual Property: Value Creation, Protection, and Commercialisation.’ Oduwole stated that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had prioritised Intellectual Property (IP) as a key driver of economic development, noting that the meeting was historic for Nigeria’s economy. The discussions focused on emerging industries, including deep technology and strengthening Nigeria’s intellectual property development for economic growth across sectors.
The ministry recognises opportunities across the creative, technology, manufacturing, and science sectors, with the administration prioritising intellectual property as a key driver of economic development. The minister also inaugurated WIPO’s first sub-Saharan African office, describing it as a landmark achievement and the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa. The WIPO’s decision reflected confidence in Nigeria’s vibrant economy and its potential for growth and innovation.
Oduwole recalled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved Nigeria’s first comprehensive intellectual property policy in November 2025. The policy involved collaboration among about 10 ministries, departments, and agencies, with ministries playing leading roles in implementation. The policy was launched in December 2025, with implementation commencing in January 2026, including representatives from the creative, technology, and agricultural sectors.
Nigeria values the support that WIPO has provided since establishing its office in 2020. Over the last several years, the collaboration has spanned policy development, institutional strengthening, capacity building, innovation support, judicial training, enforcement initiatives, and digital transformation.
An agreement between the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and WIPO has been finalised for signing in Geneva. The partnership will expand intellectual property awareness, training, access to finance, and commercialisation opportunities, driving prosperity across the Nigerian economy. Intellectual property protection is accessible to both large corporations and small businesses, with the private sector supporting the policy’s validation and implementation.
Mr. Daren Tang, Director-General of WIPO, said intellectual property remains a vital tool for protecting the innovations and creativity of Nigerian entrepreneurs and creators. The newly established WIPO Nigeria Office will bring intellectual property services closer to grassroots innovators and businesses across the country. Nigeria’s National Intellectual Property Strategy, approved in 2025, requires effective implementation through direct support for innovators, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders.
The WIPO, Federal Government, and some relevant Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will be signing an agreement in Geneva in July to strengthen intellectual property adoption. The partnership will help SMEs use intellectual property as a business tool rather than a purely technical concept. WIPO will support efforts to commercialise research findings, innovations, and ideas generated in laboratories, institutions, and local businesses.
Tang pledged support for Nigeria’s creative economy, including musicians and filmmakers, to leverage intellectual property for global cultural promotion. He described the initiative as a new chapter in Nigeria’s intellectual property landscape, aimed at creating jobs, attracting investment, and promoting economic prosperity.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Chris Ikponwusu, said the meeting reflected growing international recognition of Nigeria’s innovation capacity and creative talent. Ikponwusu commended WIPO on its efforts to create an environment where ideas can be protected, developed, and commercialised.