Nigeria Strengthens Intellectual Property Framework Ahead of WIPO Director General’s Visit

Nigeria has reaffirmed its dedication to protecting intellectual property rights in anticipation of a significant visit by Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Tang is scheduled to undertake a three-day working visit to Nigeria beginning June 1, 2026.

The announcement was made by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during a briefing with Oluwatobilola Moody, Director of the WIPO Nigeria Office, and his delegation. The briefing focused on WIPO’s ongoing activities in Nigeria and preparations for Tang’s upcoming visit.

A key highlight of the visit will be the official inauguration of the WIPO Office in Abuja, which is the first and only WIPO office in Sub-Saharan Africa. This office is intended to serve as a regional hub, bolstering Nigeria’s efforts to modernize its intellectual property administration systems and enhance regional IP cooperation.

Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized WIPO’s critical role in supporting innovators and creators worldwide by safeguarding their ideas and facilitating effective commercialization. She underscored the importance of raising awareness among Nigerians about intellectual property rights and the opportunities WIPO provides, especially for young people engaged in Nigeria’s expanding creative industry.

“You talked about Nigeria’s soft power in the creative industry; I expect that hosting the office here in Abuja means that there should be a whole lot of openings for young Nigerians,” the minister remarked.

She further called for expanded technical assistance programs through the WIPO Nigeria Office to strengthen local capacity and promote the commercialization of Nigeria’s cultural heritage as a driver of economic development.

Nigeria has benefited from WIPO’s support in digitizing its trademarks and patents registry via the Industrial Property Automation System (IPAS). This platform aims to reduce processing times and improve transparency in intellectual property administration.

Director Moody informed the minister that WIPO has shifted towards a more inclusive intellectual property system that supports micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), women, and young innovators. He highlighted that WIPO’s current leadership is focused on adapting IP systems to emerging technologies such as Generative Artificial Intelligence while continuing to promote human creativity and innovation.

Moody assured that Nigerian creatives and innovators would continue to benefit from WIPO’s programs and initiatives, reinforcing the country’s position as a growing hub for innovation and creative industries.

Voice of Nigeria (VON), the state-owned international broadcasting station established in 1961, provided the report. VON operates from Abuja and Lagos, broadcasting globally in eight languages including English, French, Arabic, and indigenous Nigerian languages such as Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa.