Nigeria Launches National Intellectual Property Policy to Boost Innovation and Economic Growth

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (NIPPS), marking a significant step towards leveraging intellectual property as a catalyst for economic development. The policy was approved by the Federal Executive Council on November 6, 2025, and represents a strategic shift in treating IP as critical economic infrastructure rather than merely a legal matter.

At the public unveiling, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole emphasized the policy’s focus on overcoming persistent challenges faced by Nigerian innovators and creative businesses. “Nigerians are incredibly prolific in innovation and creativity, but the key question has always been how to monetise these ideas, ensure access to capital and allow businesses to scale without being acquired cheaply by foreign interests,” she stated.

Oduwole highlighted that over 50 percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product now derives from services sectors including the creative economy, tourism, science, and technology. This economic composition underscores the necessity of a robust IP framework to support diversification and growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Yiwa Joseph, Director of Policy Planning, Research and Statistics representing the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, outlined the policy’s whole-of-government approach. It integrates efforts across industry, trade, justice, culture, education, science, and technology sectors. “An effective intellectual property ecosystem must allow rights to be registered efficiently, protected credibly, commercialised practically and enforced fairly for creators, entrepreneurs, investors and government,” Joseph explained.

John Asein, Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, speaking on behalf of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, described NIPPS as a people-centred policy. It prioritizes Nigerian creators and innovators while remaining adaptive to emerging trends such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, data-driven creativity, and cross-border services reshaping global value creation.

The policy details more than 57 programmes and projects with implementation timelines spanning one to five years. Key initiatives include reviewing the Patents and Designs Trademarks Act, operationalising the Plant Variety Protection Office, and fostering deeper collaboration with innovation hubs, research institutions, and MSMEs.

Jane Igwe, Registrar of Patents and Designs at the ministry, noted that the policy underwent extensive revalidation following consultations with over 200 stakeholder groups. These consultations addressed concerns about inadequate protection under previous IP frameworks. “This policy provides a common meeting point for all stakeholders in the intellectual property ecosystem and creates clarity where none previously existed,” Igwe said.

NIPPS also aligns with Nigeria’s commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), where intellectual property rights increasingly intersect with trade in goods, services, and digital commerce. Minister Oduwole revealed that Nigeria has positioned itself as a digital trade leader within AfCFTA, becoming the first country to ratify the digital trade protocol. This move is expected to enhance opportunities for Nigerian innovators, creatives, and MSMEs to compete across African and global markets.

The government anticipates that effective implementation of NIPPS will unlock financing, protect local innovation, encourage investment, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global knowledge economy.

In related developments, the Anambra State Government announced an investment of N80 million in 80 startups to bolster entrepreneurship, support innovation-driven businesses, and create jobs within its expanding technology ecosystem. The funding was disclosed during the Anambra Startup Investment and Technology Skills Graduation Ceremony in Awka, where beneficiaries of the state’s startup incubation programme received grants to scale their ventures.