NOTAP assists inventors, innovators to patent their inventions free

In order to inculcate the culture of Intellectual Property and facilitate the technological growth of the country, the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) assists the Nigerian Inventors and Innovators to patent their inventions free of charge.

Dr. DanAzumi Mohammed Ibrahim, Director General of NOTAP, said this while addressing the National Coordinator of Servicom, Mrs. Nnenna Akajemeli and Information Technology (IT) experts from Berekete Radio family in the corporate headquarters of his Office.

He said NOTAP in carrying out its statutory function of registration of Technology Transfer Agreement, realized that Nigeria operates a weak Intellectual Property Culture which was responsible for over dependence on foreign technology and for a nation that is desirous of becoming one of the top economies in the world, the situation was unacceptable.

The DG said Nigerian researchers have come up with some incredible inventions but a number of them are yet to be patented. He encouraged the researchers to submit their claims to NOTAP for assistance in obtaining patents at no cost to the inventor, adding that patent was a major step towards commercialization and for any investor to consider putting his money on an invention, he must ensure the safety/protection of the invention.

The National Coordinator of Servicom expression satisfaction and hope for the country on the strategic roles NOTAP plays in development of the critical skilled manpower of Nigerians through patenting of their invention.

Mrs. Akajemeli said there are millions of Nigerians developing wonderful software but are skeptical to openly talk about them for the fear of their inventions being stolen but with the assurances and commitment of NOTAP to ensuring the development of indigenous technology, there is hope for the nation.

She thanked the Director General for the insight and also the opportunity to bring the IT experts to also benefit from the assistance NOTAP renders to the Nigerian inventor. She said that what NOTAP is doing was total service to the people and encouraged the Management to continue with the good work.