NOTAP Advocates for Enhanced IP Protection and Technology Commercialisation to Boost Nigerian Industry

The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has renewed its call for stronger investment in innovation, technology commercialisation, and intellectual property (IP) protection, underscoring their critical role in building globally competitive businesses and accelerating Nigeria’s industrial development.

Obiageli Amadiobi, director-general and chief executive officer of NOTAP, emphasized that the annual commemoration of African Day for Technology and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) serves as a vital platform to stimulate innovation, support entrepreneurs, and strengthen systems that transform research outcomes into marketable products and services.

In a statement issued by Raymond Ogbu, NOTAP’s public relations officer, Amadiobi noted that the African Day for Technology and IPR is observed every September 13 across Africa. Established by the African Union, the day promotes technology development, encourages creativity, and reinforces intellectual property rights across member states.

Amadiobi highlighted that innovation and knowledge-driven enterprises have become key drivers of economic growth worldwide. She stressed the imperative for African countries, including Nigeria, to foster environments where inventors, researchers, and entrepreneurs can develop and commercialise homegrown technologies.

Nigeria has leveraged this annual event to showcase scientific innovations and inventions from students, researchers, and members of innovation-focused organisations. The goal is to connect ideas to industry and unlock new economic opportunities.

To bridge the gap between research institutions and industry, the Federal Government, through NOTAP, has introduced several initiatives. Among these is the establishment of 69 Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Offices (IPTTOs) across universities, polytechnics, and research institutes nationwide.

These IPTTOs are designed to help researchers protect intellectual property, facilitate technology transfer, and support the commercialisation of innovations that can create jobs and attract investment.

Amadiobi also highlighted specific programs such as the NOTAP-Industry Technology Transfer Fellowship (NITTF), the NOTAP-Industry Research Laboratory Upgrade Programme (NIRLUP), and Project NOVA. Project NOVA is a technology hub initiative aimed at developing and scaling the skills of Nigerian youths for participation in the digital economy.

Looking ahead, innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs will have another opportunity to showcase their work during the National Technology and Innovation Summit (NTIS 2.0), scheduled for October 7 and 8, 2026, in Ikeja, Lagos.

Amadiobi stressed that sustained support for innovation agencies and increased funding for research and development are crucial. Such support will help Nigerian innovators transform prototypes into commercially viable products, strengthen local industries, and position Nigeria as a leading technology hub in Africa.

The renewed emphasis on technology commercialisation and IP protection aligns with broader efforts to accelerate Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic diversification.

NOTAP’s initiatives reflect a strategic approach to harnessing intellectual property as a catalyst for business growth and technological advancement within the country.

As Nigeria continues to develop its innovation ecosystem, the agency’s role in facilitating technology transfer and protecting IP rights remains central to achieving sustainable economic progress.