Hanatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, says the Federal Government was set to unveil a strong Intellectual Property (IP) protection policy towards to ensure creative Nigerians get rewards for their works.
The minister stated this on Monday in Abuja at the National IP property policy stakeholders engagement forum for the re-validation of the IP property policy and strategy for Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government had in May inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee to review the Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy Draft for Nigeria.
The committee’s task was to review the document, ensuring it aligns with global best practices and addresses Nigeria’s unique needs.
According to Musawa, who is the Co-Chairman of the committee, the reviewed document was now ready and the forum was for stakeholders to make final inputs before its formal launch.
She said inputs made would be incorporated into the document before forwarding it to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for consideration.
“One of the very important things for us in the ministry is to put in place a regulatory and legal framework of which the Intellectual Property Policy is topmost.
“I am delighted to be here today, at this landmark engagement that is the start of the final steps into ushering in Nigeria’s National Intellectual Property Policy.
“Let me assure you that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is focused on promoting and attracting investments and partnerships in and to Nigeria.
“He is keen to create the right framework that encourages ease of doing business, serves the public interest and helps us attract investment into the cultural and creative sectors of the economy.
“The protection of intellectual property is essential for empowering our creators, safeguarding our cultural heritage, and driving innovation across every sector.
“Together, we can build a framework that not only protects but also nurtures the unique expressions of our people, ensuring they flourish both locally and globally.
“This forum marks the beginning of a collective journey to establish a robust IP policy that reflects the spirit of Nigeria’s ingenuity, creativity, and potential,” she said.
Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, who also serves as the Co-Chairman of the committee, emphasised the importance of IP rights in driving innovation and economic growth.
She assured that the draft IP policy would shape the future of intellectual property rights in Nigeria and empower innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs to thrive globally.
“I am pleased to announced that the committee worked diligently to complete the assignment within limited time frame, and I commend the committee for this remarkable achievement.
“Today’s event offers all stakeholders the opportunity to have a final look at the document and make necessary inputs, which will be incorporated before forwarding it to the Government for consideration.
“Let me at this juncture reiterate that having an IP policy for Nigeria is crucial for the growth and development of the economy.
“Specifically, IP statutes offer direction about ownership rights to original invention, innovation, or precious work, as well as the financial risks and benefits connected to any technology’s commercialisation.
“Your valuable insights as contributors to the initial draft make your participation at this workshop very valuable,” she said.
In a goodwill message, Oluwatobiloba Moody, Director Nigerian Office of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), congratulated the Federal Government for the feat towards protecting ingenuity of Nigerians.
He said WIPO was committed to working with Nigeria towards ensuring that IP rights of creative were adequately protected. (NAN)
