Intellectual Property: FG Moves To Launch Policy To Safeguard Innovations

Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite 
Honourable Minister, FMITI 

"Having an intellectual property policy is crucial for Nigeria's economic growth and development. It provides direction on ownership rights to original inventions, innovations, and creative works, mitigating financial risks and maximizing the benefits of commercialization." Dr. Anite.

"Nigeria is globally recognized for its intellectual prowess across various fields. It is imperative to establish a solid national intellectual property policy to protect our innovations". Musawana, Minister Culture and Creative Economy Ministry.

"This innovative policy will address issues of piracy and intellectual property theft. It is essential for Nigeria to have a comprehensive and effective policy to protect and promote our intellectual assets." Amb. Nura Abba Rimi Permanent Secretary FMITI.

The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment alongside its sister Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice and Health and Social Welfare, are working assiduously to produce a comprehensive policy document that will safeguard the intellectual assets of Nigerians.

This follows the Federal Governments reaffirmation of its commitment to the  revalidation of the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy Paper.

In a statement issued and signed by Lawrence Thomas Adebayo, Director Information and Public Relations Department of the Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment, the Honourable Minister, Dr. Doris Anite emphasized the importance of this revalidation during her opening remarks at the one-day workshop. 

According to Dr Anite, "Although the document was finalized in 2022, revalidation is necessary to address grey areas and incorporate emerging trends in property rights, aligning with global best practices," she stated. 

"Having an intellectual property policy is crucial for Nigeria's economic growth and development. It provides direction on ownership rights to original inventions, innovations, and creative works, mitigating financial risks and maximizing the benefits of commercialization."

She assured that the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is dedicated to upholding the intellectual property rights of Nigerians.

Dr. Uzoka-Anite FMITI and her counterpart in the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musawana.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Honourable Minister, Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musawana highlighted the timeliness of the revalidation and the subsequent launch of the new policy.

She said; "Nigeria is globally recognized for its intellectual prowess across various fields. It is imperative to establish a solid national intellectual property policy to protect our innovations". 

"From new medicines and seeds to industrial processes, music compositions, and literary works, these pillars of society enrich our existence. Our culture, traditions, food, and produce need protection and marketing, which requires robust policy support." She remarked.

Also at the event, Ambassador Nura Rimi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, praised the stakeholders for their dedication to developing a revitalized policy framework.

"This innovative policy will address issues of piracy and intellectual property theft. It is essential for Nigeria to have a comprehensive and effective policy to protect and promote our intellectual assets," he noted.

The workshop aims to validate the review conducted by inter-ministerial committees established by the Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment, and Culture and Creative Economy. The final document will be presented to the Federal Executive Council for approval.

Development partners at the workshop's opening session unanimously agreed that Nigeria, as a key global player known for its talent, requires a formidable intellectual property protection policy that stands the test of time. The new policy document is expected to be launched in the third week of October.