An important turning point in the advancement of intellectual property (IP) and sustainable innovation in Nigeria has been reached with the launch of IP Labs 2.0 and IP for Green Innovation Projects by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Nigeria Office, with assistance from the Japan Patent Office.
Innovators, entrepreneurs, creatives, students, government representatives from the Nigerian Copyright Commission, the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), the Bank of Industry, research institutes, academic institutions, and dignitaries from both domestic and foreign sectors were among the diverse attendees of the event, which was recently held in Lagos.
Mr. Kunihiko Fushimi, Director of the International Classifications and Standards Division and FIT/JP Global Manager at WIPO, and Mr. Oluwatobiloba Moody, Director of the WIPO Nigeria Office, gave welcome remarks at the launch event.
They both highlighted WIPO’s longstanding commitment to supporting innovation and creativity through IP in Nigeria, underscoring how intellectual property has been a cornerstone for innovation and economic growth in Africa for over 35 years.
During the event, Mr. Tunbosun Alake, Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Ms. Lynda Alpheus, Director of the Lagos Office of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, and Mr. Oswald Guobadia, Former Senior Special Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Digital Transformation and current partner at DigitA, shared goodwill messages on the importance of IP. They emphasized their respective roles in protecting intellectual property rights, enabling creators to monetize their innovations, and underscoring IP as a critical asset for investment and economic development.
Mr. Nasir Yammama, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Innovation, Office of the Vice President delivered the keynote address, highlighting the need for IP frameworks to address climate change and other pressing global challenges.
He stressed that IP for Green Innovation is essential for creating sustainable solutions, particularly as Nigeria advances in renewable energy and technology sectors.
“The future belongs to creators,” Mr. Yammama said, emphasizing the importance of building a robust IP environment that not only protects but also empowers Nigerian entrepreneurs to innovate and grow. He called for IP education at all levels, noting that early awareness can lay a foundation for knowledge-based economic development.
Ms Olaronke Famuyiwa, program officer, WIPO Nigeria Office; Mr Bankole Oloruntoba, Team Lead at Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre; and Mr Ololade Otayemi, Founder of Orbra Company gave an overview of the projects and the implementation plans.
They stated that the IP for Green Innovation project aims to build the capacity of 100 green hardware innovators with the knowledge, strategies, and IP support required for successful business development and financing.
The IP Labs 2. 0 program, on other hand, will empower 300 innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups to harness the power of intellectual property as a business development and financing strategy.
A panel discussion explored “The Role of Intellectual Property in Building an Innovative Society for Nigeria,” featuring thought leaders from various industries. Moderated by Ms. Olaronke Famuyiwa, the panel included Mr Senator Ihenyen, Lead Partner, Infusion Lawyers, Mr Victor Boyle-Komolafe, Founder and CEO, GIVO, Mr Lanre Ogundipe Co-Founder and CEO, PaveHQ, Ms Shukurat Amosa, an Intellectual Property Officer, and Ms Tracy Okoro Isaac, Partner at DigitA.
The discussion centered on how effective IP protection encourages inventiveness, supports the commercialization of new ideas, and contributes to the development of a robust innovation ecosystem that can drive Nigeria’s economic and technological progress.
