IGP Disu Advocates for Dedicated IP and Security Desk to Boost Nigeria’s Creative Economy

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Rilwan Disu has proposed the creation of a specialized Orange Economy Security and Intellectual Property Coordination Desk within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). The proposal was made during a lecture delivered on Wednesday to participants of Senior Executive Course 48, 2026, at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Plateau State.

Speaking on the theme, “The Orange Economy and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development in Nigeria: The Role of the Nigeria Police Force,” IGP Disu highlighted the critical intersection between security, entrepreneurship, and the development of Nigeria’s creative industries.

He noted that Nigeria’s creative economy—which encompasses film, music, fashion, publishing, advertising, digital content, gaming, tourism, heritage, and the arts—is increasingly driven by entrepreneurship, technology, and intellectual property rights. According to the IGP, this sector holds significant potential to contribute to employment, investment, and national development if creators and their intellectual assets receive adequate protection.

The proposed coordination desk is intended to provide a structured mechanism for specialized policing efforts, foster inter-agency cooperation, establish dedicated reporting channels, and enhance engagement between the police and stakeholders within the creative industry.

IGP Disu advocated for an intelligence-led, partnership-based approach to tackling organized piracy, counterfeiting, cyber-enabled fraud, and other criminal activities that adversely affect creative enterprises. He underscored the importance of financial investigations to trace proceeds linked to criminal networks operating through payment accounts, digital wallets, advertising revenues, logistics networks, and online distribution channels.

On intellectual property protection, the IGP called for stronger collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Copyright Commission, and other relevant institutions. He emphasized the need for enhanced security measures around film locations, concerts, festivals, tourism sites, and cultural assets.

Furthermore, IGP Disu stressed the importance of improving cybercrime response capabilities, preserving digital evidence, and maintaining sustained engagement with creative communities as essential components of effective policing within the Orange Economy.

He also highlighted the preventive role of legitimate economic opportunities, suggesting that providing young Nigerians with credible pathways from talent to lawful income and employment could reduce their vulnerability to criminal activities.

However, the IGP warned that piracy, fraud, extortion, and other criminal acts could weaken businesses, deter investment, and undermine innovation within the creative sector.

He maintained that effective policing of the creative economy must balance public safety with the protection of rights essential for creativity and enterprise to thrive. He stressed that “professional, accountable and rights-respecting policing is essential to building confidence among creators, entrepreneurs and investors.”

IGP Disu affirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to collaborating with government institutions, industry stakeholders, creative professionals, and communities to strengthen intellectual property protection and secure creative enterprises. He added that the Force would continue supporting initiatives aimed at fostering an enabling environment where innovation, investment, and legitimate economic activities can flourish.