Nigeria Secures WIPO Office in Abuja as Global Innovation Recognition Grows
Dr. Tijani explained that discussions during the meeting focused on strengthening Nigeria’s intellectual property framework and ensuring that innovators, entrepreneurs, creators, and young digital talents can derive greater economic value from their ideas and creativity.
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has described the establishment of a World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) office in Abuja as a major endorsement of Nigeria’s growing influence in global innovation, technology, and the creative economy sectors.
Speaking after receiving the Director-General of WIPO, Daren Tang, and his delegation, Dr. Tijani said the decision to establish a WIPO office in Nigeria — one of only seven such offices worldwide — reflects increasing international confidence in the country’s innovation ecosystem and digital economy potential.
According to the minister, the visit builds on earlier engagements held during the Ministerial Summit on the sidelines of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council meeting a few weeks ago. He noted that both parties share a common vision of advancing innovation, creativity, and digital transformation in Nigeria and across the continent.
Dr. Tijani explained that discussions during the meeting focused on strengthening Nigeria’s intellectual property framework and ensuring that innovators, entrepreneurs, creators, and young digital talents can derive greater economic value from their ideas and creativity. He stressed that intellectual property protection remains critical to unlocking opportunities within the technology and creative industries.
The minister further stated that the Federal Government is committed to deepening collaboration with WIPO to improve intellectual property awareness and access across Nigeria. He noted that bringing intellectual property opportunities closer to grassroots communities would empower more Nigerians to convert innovative ideas into sustainable businesses capable of creating jobs and driving economic growth.
He added that Nigeria’s ambition to become a leading hub for innovation and technology in Africa would require stronger partnerships with global institutions such as WIPO, particularly in areas that support entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and the protection of creative works.
