•L-R: Senator Ben Murray Bruce, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa, Permanent Secretary Industry, Trade and Investment, Nura Abba Rimi, at the inauguration of the Interministerial Committee on Reviewing National Intellectual Property Strategy and Policy in Abuja, yesterday.
The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has announce the inauguration of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Review of the Intellectual Property (IP) Policy and Strategy for Nigeria. This event marked a crucial step in strengthening Nigeria’s intellectual property framework.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, presided over the ceremony, highlighting the importance of a robust IP policy in driving innovation and economic growth.
She said: “This is a significant milestone in our collective efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s intellectual property ecosystem and position our nation as a global leader in the protection and commercialization of creative and innovative works. An effective IP framework empowers our entrepreneurs, inventors, artists, and businesses to reap the full rewards of their creativity and ingenuity.”
Also co-chairing the event was Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, who emphasised the interconnectedness of intellectual property and the creative industries.
Her remark: “The arts and culture sector is deeply intertwined with intellectual property. By strengthening our IP framework, we are not only protecting our cultural heritage but also encouraging the creation of new, innovative works that can compete on the global stage. This initiative will significantly contribute to the growth and sustainability of our creative economy.”
In attendance was Senator Ben Murray Bruce, CEO and Founder of Silverbird Entertainment, who underscored the importance of intellectual property in the entertainment industry. According to him, “a strong IP policy is vital for the protection of our creative industries. It ensures that our artists and creators can fully benefit from their hard work and creativity. This policy will help Nigeria become a global powerhouse in entertainment and innovation.”
Nigeria’s draft National IP Policy and Strategy, validated in September 2022, aims to promote a comprehensive and conducive IP ecosystem with a vision to utilise intellectual property for sustainable national prosperity and development.
Some key objectives of the policy includes strengthening the legal framework for IP rights protection, enhancing the institutional framework for IP administration and management and promoting the generation and protection of IP rights.
Others include facilitating the commercial exploitation of IP assets and technology transfer, strengthening enforcement frameworks for IP rights, developing human resources for IP administration, protection, commercialisation and enforcement and promoting IP training, education and awareness.
The committee’s task is to update the Draft IP Policy and Strategy for submission to the Federal Executive Council for approval and to review and update national IP legislation in conformity with international obligations. The goal is to give Nigeria’s IP assets a competitive advantage in the market, attract investments, drive industrialization, and generate revenue for the Federal Government.