On 6 November 2025, the Federal Executive Council approved the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (NIPPS/“Policy”). On 17 December 2025, NIPPS was launched. IP is everywhere you go and the importance of this NIPPS to all cannot be overstated.  As a policy, it sets the direction for future regulatory reform and institutional practice in Nigeria’s IP ecosystem. The Policy was developed through an extensive stakeholder consultative process. Our firm, with other key stakeholders, contributed strategic input towards the draft that ultimately became the final version that was approved and launched. 

 Below are some of the key insights from the Policy:

• Artificial Intelligence & Data-Driven Innovation: The Policy links national development to innovation-led growth and the commercialization of technology-based intellectual assets. Although it does not regulate AI or data directly, it signals that digital and data-driven innovation will increasingly be treated as monetizable IP assets rather than informal business tools.
• Brand Protection: The Policy strengthens origin-based branding through the promotion and protection of Traditional Knowledge. It also highlights the absence of an existing Geographical Indicator-specific law as part of the rationale for strengthening Nigeria’s IP framework. By linking products to their regional and cultural origins, it enhances brand authenticity, distinctiveness and consumer trust for Nigerian products, particularly in indigenous and export-driven markets.
• Data Protection & Digital Economy: By encouraging the commercial exploitation of IP in technology-driven markets, the Policy highlights the growing intersection between IP management and digital business models. It also calls for data synergy among relevant regulatory agencies, reinforcing the need for coordinated data governance frameworks in IP-driven digital businesses.
• Employment: The Policy acknowledges that IP awareness remains low across all sectors and that Nigeria has not conducted a nationwide IP awareness assessment. It therefore recommends nationwide awareness campaigns led by the Copyright, Trademarks, Patents and Designs offices, with implications for employee-created IP ownership structures and internal corporate training programmes.
• Technology Transfer & Commercialization of IP: The Policy proposes the development of national IP commercialization frameworks and guidelines. It recommends the promotion of IP as acceptable collateral and establishment of a national fund for the commercialization of creativity and innovation, with stronger oversight by institutions such as NOTAP in technology transfer and licensing arrangements. It also promotes data synergy among regulatory agencies and the use of technology-based solutions in IP enforcement which signals increased regulatory efficiency in IP commercialization and protection.
• IP Valuation: IP valuation is identified as a national development priority, with recommendations for alignment with International Valuation Standards and inclusion in tertiary education curricula. This is intended to reposition IP as a measurable, financeable asset capable of supporting structured financing transactions.
• Regulation & Enforcement: The Policy calls for review and amendment of existing IP legislation to align with international treaties and emerging best practices. It highlights the need for domestication of relevant treaties, and development of regulations covering existing and emerging IP areas. It further seeks to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for IP administration and promote coordinated, multi-agency enforcement mechanisms.
• Implementation & Key Performance Indicators: The Policy sets out specific programmes and projects through which implementation will be measured. Progress will be measured using practical indicators such as delivery of legislative reforms, digitization and improved efficiency of IP registries, establishment of IP commercialization and technology-transfer frameworks, nationwide awareness and training programmes, and more coordinated enforcement activities.

Shortly before the publication of these insights, the inauguration of the NIPPS implementation committees was announced, including the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee and the Inter-Agency Coordination Group, established to oversee implementation of the Policy. These committees will provide high-level policy direction, political support, and coordinated oversight of technical execution. We will continue to keep you updated on developments in this regard.

You can access the NIPPS and related resources for more information. If you have any questions or comments on the Policy, please contact Habibat Abubakar at [email protected].