The federal government says collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organisation will expand intellectual property protection, commercialisation, and opportunities for businesses and innovators.

Jumoke Oduwole, the trade minister, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ roundtable discussion with WIPO officials, on accelerating Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, in Abuja on Monday.

Ms Oduwole said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had prioritised intellectual property as a key driver of economic development, adding that the meeting was a historic for Nigeria’s economy.

She said the discussions focused on emerging industries, including deep technology, as well as on boosting and strengthening Nigeria’s intellectual property development for strong economic growth across sectors.

According to her, the ministry recognises opportunities across the creative, technology, manufacturing and science sectors. The administration had prioritised intellectual property as a key driver of economic development.

The minister, who also inaugurated WIPO’s first sub-Saharan African office, described the inauguration as a landmark achievement and the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.

She said that the WIPO’s decision reflected confidence in Nigeria’s vibrant economy and its potential for growth and innovation.

She recalled that the Federal Executive Council approved Nigeria’s first comprehensive intellectual property policy in November 2025.

Ms Oduwole said the policy involved collaboration among about 10 ministries, departments, and agencies, adding that the ministries were playing leading roles in its implementation.

She said that the policy was launched in December 2025, and the implementation commenced in January 2026, noting that the implementation committee include representatives from the creative, technology and agricultural sectors.

She said that Nigeria values the support that WIPO has provided since the establishment of its office in 2020.

She said that an agreement between the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria and WIPO has been finalised for signing in Geneva.

The minister noted that intellectual property protection was accessible to both large corporations and small businesses, while commending the private sector for supporting the validation and implementation of the policy.

Daren Tang, WIPO’s director-general, said intellectual property remained a vital tool for protecting the innovations and creativity of Nigerian entrepreneurs and creators.

Mr Tang said the newly established WIPO Nigeria Office would take intellectual property services closer to grassroots innovators and businesses across the country. He said Nigeria’s National Intellectual Property Strategy, approved in 2025, required effective implementation through direct support for innovators, entrepreneurs and stakeholders.

He said that the WIPO, the federal government, and some relevant small and medium enterprises would sign an agreement in Geneva in July to strengthen intellectual property adoption.

“The partnership will help small and medium enterprises 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,” he said.

Mr 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, Chris Ikponwusu, said that the meeting reflected growing international recognition of Nigeria’s innovation capacity and creative talent.

Mr Ikponwusu commended the WIPO on its efforts to create an environment where ideas can be protected, developed and commercialised.

(NAN)