The Federal Government of Nigeria and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) have agreed to deepen collaboration aimed at transforming the country’s intellectual property (IP) assets into tangible economic value through the commercialisation of research, innovation and creative works.
The agreement was reached during a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima, a WIPO delegation led by Director-General Daren Tang, and senior government officials at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Speaking at the meeting, Shettima said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to building an intellectual property system that supports inventors, investors, researchers, entrepreneurs, artists and innovators.
He welcomed WIPO’s decision to establish its first office in Abuja, describing it as the organisation’s first office in Sub-Saharan Africa and one of only seven worldwide.
The Vice President recalled that the Federal Executive Council approved the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (NIPPS) in November 2025 to provide a comprehensive framework for the development, protection, promotion, management and commercialisation of intellectual property in Nigeria.
According to him, the partnership with WIPO will enhance technical cooperation, institutional support, capacity building and create practical pathways for commercialising Nigerian creativity and research.
“As we deepen our collaboration with WIPO, we look forward to stronger technical cooperation, deeper institutional support, expanded capacity-building, and practical pathways for the commercialisation of Nigerian creativity and research,” he said.
Shettima noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration is focused on unlocking productivity, attracting investment, creating jobs and positioning Nigeria for long-term economic growth.
He stressed that intellectual property, innovation, technology, data, culture and knowledge have become critical drivers of modern economies, adding that countries that effectively create, protect and commercialise intellectual assets will lead global economic development.
The Vice President directed the Ministries of Justice, Industry, Trade and Investment, and Art, Culture and Creative Economy to develop a roadmap for stronger engagement with WIPO and pledged continued cooperation with the organisation.
Earlier, WIPO Director-General Tang said his visit to Nigeria was centred on two major milestones—the inauguration of WIPO’s Abuja office and the launch of Nigeria’s National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy.
He described the new office as a reflection of WIPO’s confidence in Nigeria’s growing role in innovation and intellectual property development.
Tang commended Nigerian entrepreneurs, innovators and creators for their contributions to the global intellectual property ecosystem and expressed confidence that the country’s IP strategy would drive economic empowerment and job creation.
He noted that more than 3,000 Nigerian startups, including seven unicorns, have attracted significant investments, demonstrating the increasing influence of emerging economies in the global innovation landscape.
Also speaking, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, said the visit underscored the growing partnership between Nigeria and WIPO in strengthening the country’s intellectual property ecosystem.
Fagbemi stated that a strong legal and institutional framework remains essential for sustaining innovation, particularly among startups, creators and technology-driven businesses.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, assured the delegation of the ministry’s commitment to partnering with WIPO in achieving job creation and growth targets within the creative sector.
Similarly, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, said ongoing engagements between Nigeria and WIPO had already yielded significant outcomes, including the establishment of the Abuja office.
She said the development reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to strengthening intellectual property policy, trade, investment and the creative economy.
