Nigeria has taken its intellectual property (IP) reform agenda to the global stage, declaring that stronger protection and commercialisation would be central to unlocking the creative economy and driving sustainable economic growth.

Speaking at the opening of the 68th Assemblies of the Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in Geneva, Switzerland, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said the Federal Government was repositioning Nigeria’s IP ecosystem to ensure innovators, creators and businesses derive greater economic value from their works.

Leading Nigeria’s delegation to the summit, Oduwole described intellectual property as “a living instrument of inclusion”, capable of empowering creators while accelerating national development.

She noted that despite Nigeria’s global reputation in Afrobeats, Nollywood, fashion, literature, technology, sports and science, the country had yet to maximise the economic returns from its creative and innovation sectors.

“From Afrobeats to Nollywood, fashion, food, science, literature and technology, Nigerians are globally recognised for their creativity and innovation. However, not enough of the value generated is flowing into our economy. This is about to change,” she said.

Oduwole said the government’s reform is anchored on the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy launched in 2025, with implementation being coordinated by an inter-ministerial steering committee she co-chaired with the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, alongside an inter-agency technical implementation group.

She also announced ongoing efforts to modernise Nigeria’s IP registries, strengthen protection for traditional medicine and indigenous knowledge, pursue legislative reforms and deepen collaboration among key stakeholders.

She disclosed that Nigeria had assembled its largest-ever delegation to the WIPO Assemblies, comprising representatives from both the public and private sectors, reflecting the country’s renewed commitment to intellectual property development.