Abuja, July 2, 2025 — The Federal Government has concluded plans to launch a National Intellectual Property (IP) Policy in July, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s creative economy and boost the export potential of local content, innovations, and cultural expressions.
The policy, championed by the Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy in collaboration with the Ministries of Industry, Trade and Investment, and Justice, is designed to modernize Nigeria’s intellectual property framework and align it with global standards. The initiative is also backed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), with technical support from the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and other relevant agencies.
According to government sources, the National IP Policy is expected to address long-standing gaps in the protection of creative works, innovations, and industrial designs, particularly in the music, film, literature, fashion, software, and digital content sectors. It also seeks to create an enabling environment for artists, inventors, and entrepreneurs to monetize their intellectual property rights, while promoting innovation and stimulating private sector investment.
The forthcoming policy will encompass reforms in copyright, trademarks, patents, industrial designs, and enforcement mechanisms. It will also incorporate a framework for the securitization of intellectual property assets, allowing creatives and startups to leverage their IP for financing under a pilot monetisation scheme that was recently approved by the Federal Executive Council.
In preparation for the official launch, two inter-ministerial technical committees recently concluded a review and validation exercise of the policy document, ensuring it reflects current realities and is tailored to support Nigeria’s evolving digital and creative landscape.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum in Abuja, officials noted that the policy will help formalize the creative economy, reduce piracy and infringement, and unlock new opportunities for international collaborations. The Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy stated that the policy will serve as a foundation for a “sustainable, globally competitive and inclusive creative ecosystem” in Nigeria.
The launch of the National IP Policy comes at a time when Nigeria’s creative sector is gaining increased global attention, with Nigerian music, fashion, and film industries contributing significantly to the country’s GDP and international image. Analysts believe that a structured IP framework will not only protect creators but also support export earnings and job creation in the long term.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to fostering innovation, empowering creators, and positioning Nigeria as a cultural and intellectual powerhouse on the global stage. The policy is expected to be unveiled at a national ceremony in Abuja later this month, with participation from stakeholders in the public and private sectors, creative industry professionals, and international development partners.
