By Abbanobi -Eku Onyekachi, Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria (FG) is taking a significant step towards protecting intellectual property rights with the revalidation of its National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy Paper.
According to a press statement from Director of Press and Public Relations in the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade Investment (FMITI) Monday, Dr Thomas Adebayo, the initiative, led by the (FMITI), Culture and Creative Economy, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice andthat of Health and Social Welfare, aims to create a comprehensive policy document that safeguards the intellectual assets of Nigerians.
The revalidation process, the statement went on, is crucial, as emphasized by Dr. Doris Anite, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, during a recent workshop. Although the document was finalized in 2022, the revalidation will address grey areas and incorporate emerging trends in property rights, aligning with global best practices This move demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to protecting innovations and creativity.
However, the objectives of the policy, according to the statement was to among others to safeguard intellectual assets, protect the intellectual property rights of Nigerians, address Grey Areas_: Clarify ambiguities in the existing policy, incorporate emergency ends, align with global best practices in intellectual property rights, promote innovation and foster a culture of creativity and innovation in Nigeria
The National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy Paper (2019-2024) outlined the government’s vision for intellectual property protection . With this revalidation, Nigeria is poised to strengthen its intellectual property rights and enforcement, driving economic growth and development.
This development is a welcome move for innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs in Nigeria, ensuring their intellectual assets are protected and valued.
