Nigeria Showcases Intellectual Property Reform Agenda at WIPO Assembly

Nigeria has presented its intellectual property (IP) reform agenda at the 68th Assemblies of the Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening intellectual property protection, commercialising innovation and unlocking greater value from the country’s creative and knowledge-based economy.

Leading Nigeria’s delegation to the global summit, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said the Federal Government is repositioning the nation’s intellectual property ecosystem to ensure that creators, innovators and businesses derive greater economic benefits from their ideas, inventions and creative works.

Speaking at the opening session of the Assembly, Oduwole described intellectual property as a critical driver of inclusive growth, innovation and sustainable economic development.

She noted that while Nigeria has earned global recognition for its achievements in Afrobeats, Nollywood, fashion, literature, technology, sports and scientific innovation, the country has yet to fully capture the economic value generated by these sectors.

According to the minister, the government is determined to reverse that trend by building an IP system that promotes creativity, protects innovation and enhances the commercial potential of Nigerian intellectual assets.

“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 explained that the reform programme is anchored on the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy launched in 2025, which provides a comprehensive framework for modernising Nigeria’s intellectual property ecosystem and improving the commercialisation of innovation.

She said implementation of the policy is being coordinated through an inter-ministerial steering committee, which she co-chairs alongside the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, supported by an inter-agency technical implementation group.

The minister highlighted several ongoing initiatives under the reform programme, including the modernisation of Nigeria’s intellectual property registries, legislative reforms, stronger protection for traditional medicine and indigenous knowledge, and enhanced collaboration among government agencies, the private sector and development partners.

She said these measures are designed to improve the efficiency, accessibility and credibility of Nigeria’s intellectual property system while creating a more enabling environment for innovation, investment and enterprise development.

Oduwole also disclosed that Nigeria fielded its largest-ever delegation to the WIPO Assemblies, bringing together representatives from government institutions, the private sector and other key stakeholders.

According to her, the broad representation reflects Nigeria’s growing commitment to strengthening its intellectual property ecosystem and positioning innovation as a key pillar of national economic transformation.

She reaffirmed the government’s resolve to build an IP framework that not only safeguards the rights of creators and innovators but also supports economic diversification, attracts investment and enhances Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global knowledge economy.