Stakeholders in the intellectual property (IP) sub-sector have advocated a multi-stakeholder approach to addressing the challenges facing intellectual property rights in Nigeria.
They also called for increased awareness and education on intellectual property rights to curb theft and other abuses within the creative and innovation industries.
The stakeholders made the call on Monday in Abuja at a report validation workshop organized by the International Centre for Regional Integration and Trade Research (ICRITR) and Africa International Trade and Commerce Research (AITCR).
It was reported that intellectual property rights remain a major challenge for creative industry players in Nigeria, where, despite regulatory efforts, infringement and other forms of abuse persist.
The workshop focused on validating the findings of a study titled “Stakeholder Perception of Intellectual Property in Nigeria: Mapping Awareness, Attitudes, and Policy Implications.”
Prof. Ngozi Egbuna, Director of ICRITR, said the workshop was aimed at ensuring the accuracy and relevance of the report in shaping national policies that protect Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
She urged stakeholders to explore the use of blockchain and other digital tools to enhance transparency, reduce bureaucracy and combat counterfeiting.
Egbuna also recommended strengthening the enforcement of intellectual property laws, developing policies that promote innovation and creativity, and fostering collaboration among government, industry and academia.
“There is a need to create an environment that promotes innovation, creativity and economic growth, and IP protection is crucial to this effort,” she said.
She further stressed the need for balance, noting that Nigeria must protect intellectual property while ensuring access to knowledge, technology and innovation.
Presenting the report, Mr Sand Mba-Kalu, Executive Director of AITCR, underscored the importance of creating an environment that fosters innovation and creativity.
He described intellectual property as a key driver of economic growth and development, urging Nigeria to prioritize IP protection and enforcement.
“The report highlights limited awareness of intellectual property rights among stakeholders, inadequate enforcement of IP laws, and the need for increased education and training on intellectual property,” Mba-Kalu said.
He added that collective action by stakeholders would help Nigeria build an ecosystem that promotes innovation, creativity and sustainable economic growth.
Also speaking, Mr Enoch Moghalu, Deputy Director, Technology Acquisition and Research Coordination (TARC) at the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), commended the study for its comprehensive mapping of IP awareness and attitudes.
He called on participants to focus on strengthening policy frameworks to foster innovation and protect intellectual property rights.
Moghalu explained that NOTAP is responsible for registering contracts and agreements related to the transfer and acquisition of foreign technology, as well as monitoring, regulating and facilitating the inflow of such technologies into the country.
