Nigeria, WIPO Deepen Ties to Turn Ideas into Wealth in Abuja

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) have agreed to deepen collaboration aimed at transforming the country’s intellectual property into tangible economic assets, with a strong focus on commercialising research and boosting the creative economy.

This followed a high-level meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where Vice President Kashim Shettima hosted a WIPO delegation led by Director-General Daren Tang alongside senior government officials.

The partnership is expected to drive the commercialisation of research outputs from Nigerian universities, strengthen technical cooperation, expand institutional support, and build capacity across the intellectual property ecosystem.

Vice President Shettima said the Tinubu administration is committed to building an intellectual property system that serves all stakeholders, from inventors and entrepreneurs to artists and industrialists.

He also welcomed WIPO’s decision to establish its first Sub-Saharan African office in Abuja, describing it as a major milestone and a reflection of Nigeria’s growing importance in the global innovation landscape.

Shettima noted that the Federal Executive Council’s approval of the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy in November 2025 provides a comprehensive framework for the protection, management, and commercialisation of intellectual assets.

According to him, Nigeria’s ambition is to create an economy where innovation is protected, disputes are efficiently resolved, and intellectual property is converted into wealth.

He said the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu prioritises unlocking productivity, attracting investment, creating jobs, and positioning Nigeria for long-term prosperity, with ideas, technology, and innovation at its core.

“The future belongs to nations that understand the dignity of the mind and the economy of ideas,” the Vice President stated, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to innovation diplomacy and global intellectual property standards.

He directed key ministries, including Justice, Industry, Trade and Investment, and Culture and Creative Economy, to develop a roadmap for stronger engagement with WIPO.

In his remarks, WIPO Director-General Daren Tang said his visit to Nigeria marked two major milestones: the opening of the Abuja office and the launch of Nigeria’s National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy.

He described the new office as a clear demonstration of WIPO’s confidence in Nigeria’s potential, noting that Nigerian entrepreneurs and creators are increasingly shaping global innovation trends.

Tang revealed that over 3,000 Nigerian startups, including seven unicorns, are attracting significant investment, underscoring the growing role of intellectual property in emerging economies.

Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the collaboration would strengthen Nigeria’s legal and institutional framework, which is essential for sustaining innovation and attracting investment.

He added that a robust intellectual property system would enhance technology transfer and position Nigeria as a leading IP hub in Africa.

Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, said the government is leveraging the sector to create jobs and drive economic growth, pledging full partnership with WIPO.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, noted that ongoing bilateral engagements have already yielded key outcomes, including the establishment of the Abuja office, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to innovation-led development.

The strengthened partnership signals Nigeria’s strategic push to harness creativity, research, and innovation as drivers of economic transformation and global competitiveness.