By Eunice Orike
Nigeria has taken its intellectual property, IP, reform drive to the global stage, saying that stronger protection and commercialization of creative works and innovations are key to unlocking economic growth and creating more opportunities for Nigerians.
The Head of Press and Public Relations Officer in the ministry, Obilor -Duru Augustina Okechi informed journalists on Tuesday that the Minister of the Industry, Trade and Investment, FMITI, Jumoke Oduwole gave the assurance at the opening session of the 68th Assemblies of member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization, WIPO, in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Minister said the country is determined to build an intellectual property system that supports creators, innovators and businesses.
Leading Nigeria’s delegation to the annual gathering, Oduwole said that intellectual property should be more than a legal framework and must become a tool for inclusion and economic development.
She noted that Nigerians have gained international recognition in sectors such as music, film, fashion, food, science, literature and technology, but added that the country has not fully benefited from the economic value generated by the industries.
According to the Minister, the situation is set to change through ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s intellectual property ecosystem and ensuring that creators and innovators earn more from their work.
“From Afrobeats to Nollywood, fashion, food, science, literature and technology, Nigerians are globally recognised for their creativity and innovation. However, not enough of the value generated is flowing into our economy. This is about to change,” she said.
Oduwole highlighted the implementation of Nigeria’s National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy, launched in 2025, as a major step towards achieving the goal.
She said that the policy is being implemented through an inter-ministerial steering committee jointly chaired by her office and the Attorney General of the Federation, with support from a technical inter-agency coordination group.
The Minister also thanked WIPO for supporting the development of the policy and described the recent visit of WIPO Director-General, Daren Tang to Abuja as an important milestone in strengthening cooperation between Nigeria and the organisation.
She revealed that Nigeria’s delegation to this year’s WIPO Assemblies is the largest ever sent by the country, bringing together representatives from government institutions and the private sector.
As part of ongoing reforms, Oduwole said that Nigeria is modernising its intellectual property registries, strengthening the protection of traditional medicine and indigenous knowledge, pursuing legislative reforms and improving collaboration among stakeholders.
She also announced a partnership between the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria and WIPO’s Nigeria Office to help micro, small and medium-sized enterprises gain better access to intellectual property services.
The Minister stressed that intellectual property has become increasingly important to Africa’s economic integration agenda under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
She noted that she currently serves as Chair of African Ministers responsible for Trade under the AfCFTA framework, while Nigeria serves as Digital Trade Co-Champion.
Oduwole called on African countries to place greater emphasis on protecting and commercialising intellectual property, saying that it is crucial for industrialisation, technology transfer, digital trade and long-term economic development.
As the WIPO Development Agenda approaches its 20th anniversary, she urged member states to ensure development issues remained central to the organisation’s activities and decision-making processes.
She reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting a global intellectual property system that promotes inclusion, innovation and sustainable growth.
