The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched a landmark policy designed to harness the nation's creative and innovative talents for economic prosperity. The National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (NIPPS) was publicly presented, marking a pivotal shift in how intellectual property is viewed and managed within the country.
A Strategic Framework for Economic Transformation
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, spearheaded the presentation, framing the policy as a core component of President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. The policy received formal approval from the Federal Executive Council on November 6, 2025. Oduwole highlighted the critical need to move beyond mere idea generation to effective monetisation and scaling of Nigerian innovations.
"Nigerians are incredibly prolific in creating value, innovation, and creativity," Oduwole stated. "Our challenge has been in monetising these assets and ensuring creators have access to capital so their businesses can grow without being undervalued or acquired cheaply by foreign interests."
The minister underscored the policy's urgency, noting that over 50 per cent of Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) now derives from the services sector, which encompasses creative industries, tourism, science, and technology.
A Whole-of-Government and People-Centred Approach
Yiwa Joseph, Director for Policy Planning, Research and Statistics at the Ministry, explained that NIPPS establishes a comprehensive, cross-governmental framework. It integrates mandates across industry, trade, justice, culture, education, and science and technology to build a cohesive intellectual property ecosystem.
John Asein, Director General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, emphasised the policy's focus on Nigerian creators and innovators as its primary beneficiaries. "The policy is deliberately forward-looking," Asein said. "It responds to the realities of the digital age, where online platforms, artificial intelligence, and data-driven creativity are reshaping value creation."
Key Initiatives and Implementation Timelines
The extensive policy document outlines over 57 specific programmes and projects with implementation schedules ranging from one to five years. Major action points include:
- A comprehensive review of the existing Patents and Design Trademarks Act.
- Fully operationalising the Plant Variety Protection Office.
- Deepening strategic engagement with innovation hubs and national research institutes.
Jane Igwe, the Registrar of Patents and Designs, revealed that the final policy was shaped by extensive stakeholder consultation. Input from over 200 groups, who felt earlier drafts offered insufficient protection, led to a significant revalidation process. "This document provides a common playing ground for all stakeholders involved in intellectual property," Igwe noted.
Aligning with Continental and Digital Trade Ambitions
The NIPPS is strategically aligned with Nigeria's commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), where intellectual property rights are increasingly crucial for trade in goods, services, and digital commerce. Minister Oduwole revealed that Nigeria has positioned itself as a digital trade champion within AfCFTA, including being the first country to ratify the bloc's digital trade protocol.
This new policy represents a foundational step towards building an environment where intellectual property rights can be efficiently registered, robustly protected, practically commercialised, and fairly enforced, ultimately driving sustainable economic diversification and growth for Nigeria.
