Nigeria has taken a significant step in protecting innovation and strengthening the intellectual property ecosystem with the official launch of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Nigeria Office in Abuja.
The WIPO office, which is the first to be established in Sub-Saharan Africa, was officially opened on Monday, June 1, 2026.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday, by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Obilor-Duru Augustina Okechi, the historic event, which held at the United Nations House in Abuja, was followed by a high-level roundtable discussion focused on accelerating Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and strengthening intellectual property (IP) as a key driver of national development.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging intellectual property, innovation, and commercialization as critical tools for economic growth, job creation, and global competitiveness.
The minister noted that Nigeria has moved beyond policy formulation into active implementation through the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy, supported by strong collaboration across government institutions, the private sector, and international partners.
According to her, the establishment of WIPO’s first Sub-Saharan Africa office in Nigeria reflects growing international confidence in the country’s creative, technology, manufacturing, and innovation sectors. She added that it would unlock new opportunities in capacity building, financing, training, and stronger IP protection for innovators and businesses.
WIPO Highlights Nigeria’s Rising Global Innovation Profile
Director-General of WIPO, Mr. Darren Tang, described Nigeria as one of the world’s fastest-rising centres of creativity and innovation, pointing to its globally recognised music and film industries and a fast-growing technology ecosystem of over 3,000 startups.
He stressed that intellectual property has become one of the most valuable assets in today’s knowledge-driven global economy, where ideas, creativity, and innovation translate directly into economic value.
Tang outlined key strategic opportunities for Nigeria, including leveraging IP as a financial asset, commercialising research and university innovations, strengthening the national innovation ecosystem, supporting creative industries through stronger copyright frameworks, equipping young people with entrepreneurship skills, and helping small and medium-sized enterprises protect and monetise their innovations.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu, emphasised the need to build an inclusive innovation ecosystem capable of attracting investment, creating jobs, and driving sustainable economic growth.
He noted that innovation policy must translate into real opportunities for citizens, particularly young people and entrepreneurs across different sectors of the economy.
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The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall, described the establishment of the WIPO Nigeria Office as timely and strategic.
He said strong intellectual property systems are essential to unlocking Africa’s vast creative and innovation potential, especially among young people and women, who remain central to the continent’s future growth.
Participants at the roundtable agreed that while intellectual property protection is critical, it must be complemented by strong commercialisation systems that enable innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and creators to transform ideas into competitive products and services.
They stressed that innovation must go beyond protection to profitability and real economic impact.
The launch of the WIPO Nigeria Office is expected to mark the beginning of a new era in innovation-driven development, positioning intellectual property as a powerful tool for wealth creation, investment attraction, and national transformation.
With this milestone, Nigeria strengthens its standing as a rising global hub for creativity, technology, and innovation.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.