FG Unveils National Intellectual Property Policy to Boost Innovation, Economic Growth

The Federal Government has officially unveiled Nigeria’s National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (NIPPS), a sweeping framework aimed at converting the country’s creative and innovative output into sustainable economic value and global competitiveness.

The policy, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on November 6, 2025, represents a major shift in Nigeria’s approach to intellectual property—positioning it as a critical pillar of economic infrastructure rather than a purely legal instrument.

Speaking at the public presentation of the policy, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said NIPPS aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic diversification, private sector expansion, and job creation.

According to Oduwole, Nigeria does not lack creativity or innovation, but has struggled to translate these strengths into scalable and monetised economic value.

“Nigerians are incredibly prolific when it comes to creativity and innovation,” she said. “The real challenge is monetisation—how we unlock access to capital, protect value, and allow businesses to scale without being acquired cheaply by foreign interests.”

The minister noted that services now account for over 50 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, with sectors such as the creative economy, tourism, science and technology playing increasingly central roles. She said the new IP framework is critical to sustaining growth in these areas.

Also speaking at the event, the Director of Policy Planning, Research and Statistics at the ministry, Yiwa Joseph, who represented the Permanent Secretary, described NIPPS as a whole-of-government framework spanning multiple sectors.

He explained that the policy cuts across industry, trade, justice, culture, education, science, and technology, creating a coordinated national approach to intellectual property governance.

“An effective IP ecosystem must allow rights to be registered efficiently, protected credibly, commercialised practically and enforced fairly,” Joseph said. “This policy is designed to serve creators, inventors, entrepreneurs, investors, and government alike.”

The Director General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, Dr John Asein, speaking on behalf of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, said the policy places creators and innovators at its core.

He described NIPPS as people-centred and future-facing, stressing that it responds to the realities of a rapidly evolving digital economy.

“This policy recognises that online platforms, artificial intelligence, data-driven creativity and cross-border digital services are redefining how value is created and exchanged,” Asein said.

The policy document outlines more than 57 programmes and projects, to be implemented over short- and medium-term timelines ranging from one to five years.

Key initiatives include a review of the Patents and Designs Trademarks Act, the operationalisation of the Plant Variety Protection Office, and deeper engagement with innovation hubs, universities, and research institutes.

Registrar of Patents and Designs at the ministry, Jane Igwe, said the policy underwent extensive revalidation after consultations with more than 200 stakeholder groups, many of whom expressed concerns about weak protection under earlier frameworks.

“In the absence of a national IP policy, there was no common meeting point for stakeholders,” Igwe said. “This document provides a shared foundation and clarity for everyone involved in intellectual property.”

The policy also aligns Nigeria’s IP regime with its obligations under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), where trade in goods, services, and digital commerce increasingly intersects with intellectual property rights.

Oduwole disclosed that Nigeria has positioned itself as a digital trade champion within AfCFTA, becoming the first country to ratify the bloc’s Digital Trade Protocol—a move expected to further strengthen Nigeria’s role in Africa’s emerging knowledge economy.