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By Rita Okoye
If there is one man who has continued to show firm commitment to shaping Nigeria’s intellectual property landscape, it is Obafemi Agaba, President of the Intellectual Property Law Advocacy Network (IPLAN).
Under his leadership, the association has recorded significant progress in policy engagement, advocacy, and capacity building.
Agaba’s tenure has not only strengthened IPLAN’s institutional voice but has also brought the association into the center of critical national conversations on intellectual property reform.
His efforts have opened doors for greater collaboration between government, industry, Creatives, and lP experts.
In his annual message to members, Agaba pointed to the progress made in the past year, highlighting advocacy breakthroughs and industry engagements that positioned IPLAN as a strategic player in the country’s knowledge-driven economy.
One of the key milestones was the invitation from the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council to contribute to a review of Nigeria’s business laws, an opportunity that underscored IPLAN’s growing influence in shaping legal and regulatory reforms.
Agaba’s focus has also included initiatives for member development. IPLAN co-hosted a webinar with the Patents & Designs Registry on “IP and the SDGs,” bringing together experts to discuss the role of IP in achieving sustainable development goals.
To provide professional development opportunities, IPLAN, under his guidance, partnered with the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law to host a virtual session. This event offered insights into careers in IP law in the USA for students and young professionals.
A significant action during his presidency was the intervention in challenges at the Trademarks Registry. Following concerns from members, Agaba led a delegation to Abuja to meet with the Registrar of Trademarks to address technical issues with the online platform.
His commitment to IPLAN’s institutional structure is evident in the successful corporate registration of the association. This registration, which had been attempted unsuccessfully in the past, has enhanced the organisation’s credibility and operational capacity.
The 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will include the election of new Executive Committee members. The transition of leadership is being managed with plans for the Maiden National IP Conference being handed over to the incoming committee.
The Maiden National IP Conference itself, an event announced during his term, is intended to help shape the future of IP in Nigeria. The conference has received support from volunteers and has secured initial sponsorship commitments.
His leadership has also focused on improving member communication and engagement, with a revived website and dedicated domain emails strengthening IPLAN’s online presence.
Agaba has emphasised the importance of member participation in the association’s initiatives, viewing the collective effort as crucial to its success.
A key constitutional change approved during his presidency was the amendment to limit executive members to a single term per office, which was implemented to ensure continuity and fresh leadership.
His tenure has been characterised by a clear vision: to deepen IPLAN’s influence and champion reforms that benefit stakeholders in the IP community.
He has also initiated discussions with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy on the CLAP initiative, which is designed to empower Nigeria’s creative sector and enhance IP protection.
The foundation built during his leadership is intended to help IPLAN continue its efforts in strengthening Nigeria’s IP framework.
