In a compelling lecture, a prominent legal scholar has issued an urgent call for Nigeria to comprehensively reform its Intellectual Property (IP) framework. The aim is to equip the nation for the complex challenges of the modern digital landscape.
A Bittersweet Digital Reality for Creators
The call was made by Professor Wole Adedeji of the Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. He highlighted that while digital technology offers vast opportunities, it also presents severe risks to creators. Represented by Dr. Enobong Ogundari, Adedeji delivered his lecture titled 'Efficacy of the Current Nigerian Intellectual Property System in Today's Digital World'.
The event was the 60th birthday celebration of legal practitioner Mr. Akeem Aponmade, held on 23 December 2025. Adedeji described digital advancement as a "bittersweet experience" for the global IP community.
He acknowledged positives like access to information, enhanced communication, and new revenue streams from digital distribution. However, he stressed that the ease of unauthorized copying and sharing has fueled rampant piracy. "Digital platforms provide an almost uncontrollable distribution system that undermines the integrity of copyright protection," he warned.
Critical Gaps in Nigeria's IP Framework
Professor Adedeji pinpointed significant weaknesses in Nigeria's current legal and institutional setup. A major flaw is the country's absence from key international and regional IP bodies.
Nigeria is not a member of crucial organizations like the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO) and the African Intellectual Property Organisation (OAPI). The country also remains outside important treaty systems, including the International Patent Cooperation Union and the Patent Cooperation Treaty.
According to Adedeji, joining and domesticating these treaties would:
- Strengthen the national IP regime.
- Enhance cross-border recognition of rights for Nigerian creators.
- Significantly improve overall protection.
He further lamented the low level of IP awareness among citizens and tasked government agencies, specifically the National Orientation Agency (NOA), with launching nationwide sensitization campaigns.
Roadmap for a Robust IP Ecosystem
To empower Nigerian innovators and creators, Professor Adedeji proposed a multi-pronged strategy. His recommendations include:
- Providing affordable legal services for rights holders.
- Simplifying the IP registration process to reduce barriers.
- Offering guidance on licensing and monetization strategies.
He also emphasized the need for institutional reforms, particularly to address administrative bottlenecks within the Trademarks, Patents and Designs Registry. A more proactive enforcement stance from rights owners, coupled with policy-driven changes and public enlightenment, is crucial.
"Nigeria must act urgently because the challenges of the digital world will only intensify," Adedeji asserted. "But with the right measures, the country can protect creators, attract investment and strengthen its innovation ecosystem." He concluded that these steps are vital to preserving IP rights for future generations.
