The Federal Government will launch Nigeria’s National Intellectual Property (IP) Policy and Strategy in July 2025, a key initiative aimed at safeguarding the rights of innovators, creatives, and entrepreneurs while enhancing Nigeria’s position in the global digital content market.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, during Afreximbank’s Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025 business roadshow in Lagos on Monday.
“We are set to launch the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy in July, and it promises to be a game changer for creators and innovators,” Oduwole stated. “IP is a strategic driver of trade. As we strengthen our IP ecosystem, we are laying the foundation for growth in licensing, royalties, franchising, and digital content exports.”
Strengthening Protection for Nigerian Creators
The policy is designed to address long-standing challenges such as piracy and IP theft that have hindered Nigeria’s creative, technology, and innovation sectors. By providing legal protection for original works and inventions, the strategy seeks to foster innovation, reduce financial risks, and open new income opportunities for Nigerian talents.
The initiative is being driven through collaboration among the Ministries of Industry, Trade and Investment; Culture and Creative Economy; Justice; and Health and Social Welfare — reflecting a unified government commitment to intellectual capital protection.
Last October, the Federal Government reaffirmed its dedication to the project by revalidating the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy Paper, a vital framework for securing ownership rights across industries.
Driving Trade and Economic Growth
Dr. Oduwole also highlighted Nigeria’s growing footprint in intra-African trade, backed by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and emerging trade corridors.
“Intra-African exports grew by over 13% last year, thanks to new trade routes and the early successes of the AfCFTA initiative,” she said. Nigerian firms are expanding exports in sectors like ceramics, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, while creative industries — from fashion and film to publishing and cuisine — are gaining ground across Africa.
“In fashion, film, music, publishing, and food, Nigerian creatives are exporting stories and styles across the continent,” Oduwole added.
Intra-African trade between ECOWAS and the rest of Africa soared to $18 billion in 2024, up from $8.1 billion the previous year, a 122% increase, with Nigeria playing a leading role.
Afreximbank’s Backing for Trade Expansion
Speaking at the event, Afreximbank’s Executive Vice President of Intra-African Trade, Ms. Kanayo Awani, revealed that the bank has committed $40 billion to intra-African trade financing.
“With AfCFTA as our framework and IATF as our marketplace, we must turn borders into bridges and fragmentation into shared prosperity,” Awani said, noting that Nigerian businesses secured over $11 billion in deals at IATF 2023 — the highest for any nation.
She added that the Nigeria-Africa Trade and Investment Promotion Programme, launched with NEXIM Bank, has already secured $1 billion in initial capital, with further support available as needed.
“We stand ready to increase that commitment whenever required. That’s our promise to the Nigerian people,” Awani assured.
The Bigger Picture
Last week, Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, confirmed that Afreximbank has provided over $50 billion for key infrastructure and trade projects in Nigeria. Edun urged other African countries to strengthen support for the bank through greater capital, stronger regulation, and deeper partnerships.
