ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria has taken its intellectual property reform agenda to the global stage, declaring that stronger protection and commercialization of creative assets are key to unlocking economic growth.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, made the case at the 68th Assemblies of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, where she led Nigeria’s delegation. The development was contained in a statement issued by Obilor-Duru Augustina Okechi, Head of Press and Public Relations at the ministry.
Oduwole said Nigeria is committed to building an inclusive and development-driven global intellectual property system that empowers creators, innovators and businesses.
“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.
She highlighted ongoing government reforms, including the implementation of the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy launched in 2025, aimed at strengthening legal frameworks, improving coordination and enhancing value capture across creative and innovation sectors.
According to the minister, the policy is being driven by an inter-ministerial steering committee co-chaired with the Attorney General of the Federation, alongside a technical inter-agency coordination group.
Oduwole also disclosed that Nigeria’s delegation to the WIPO Assemblies is its largest ever, reflecting growing national focus on intellectual property as a driver of economic transformation.
She noted that the government is modernising IP registries, advancing protection for traditional medicine and indigenous knowledge, and pursuing legislative reforms to strengthen the ecosystem.
The minister further announced a collaboration between the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the WIPO Nigeria Office to expand access to IP services for micro, small and medium enterprises.
She stressed that intellectual property will play a critical role in Africa’s economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), where she currently serves as Chair of African Ministers responsible for Trade, with Nigeria also acting as Digital Trade Co-Champion.
“In a fragmenting world, WIPO’s multilateral centrality is a strategic necessity. Nigeria remains firmly committed to building an inclusive, balanced and future-ready global intellectual property ecosystem,” she added.
