Tinubu Building Economy Where Intellectual Assets Generate Wealth, Says Shettima
Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to building a knowledge-driven economy where intellectual assets are protected, commercialised and transformed into wealth for Nigerians.
Shettima made the remark on Monday during a meeting with a delegation from the World Intellectual Property Organization led by its Director-General, Daren Tang, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The meeting culminated in an agreement between the Federal Government and WIPO to deepen collaboration aimed at commercialising research from Nigerian universities, supporting the creative economy and strengthening the nation’s intellectual property ecosystem.
The Vice President applauded WIPO’s decision to establish its first office in Abuja, describing it as the organisation’s first office in Sub-Saharan Africa and one of only seven worldwide.
According to Shettima, Nigeria is determined to build an intellectual property system that serves innovators, investors, researchers, entrepreneurs, artists and technology professionals alike.
He noted that the Federal Executive Council had approved the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy in November 2025 to provide a comprehensive framework for the development, protection, promotion, management and commercialisation of intellectual property in Nigeria.
Shettima said the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu recognises that modern economies are increasingly driven by ideas, innovation, technology, brands, culture and knowledge.
“The countries that will lead this century are those able to create, protect, commercialise and scale intellectual assets,” he said.
The Vice President expressed optimism that stronger cooperation with WIPO would provide technical support, institutional strengthening, capacity-building and practical pathways for converting Nigerian creativity and research into economic opportunities.
He also directed the Ministries of Justice, Industry, Trade and Investment, as well as Art, Culture and Creative Economy, to develop a roadmap for enhanced engagement with WIPO.
Speaking during the meeting, WIPO Director-General Daren Tang described Nigeria as a key player in Africa’s intellectual property revolution and commended the country’s efforts to strengthen its innovation ecosystem.
Tang said the opening of the Abuja office reflects the importance WIPO places on Nigeria and its growing community of entrepreneurs, innovators and creators.
He also praised the Tinubu administration for launching the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy, expressing confidence that the initiative would drive economic empowerment and job creation.
According to him, more than 3,000 Nigerian startups, including seven unicorn companies, are already attracting significant investments, demonstrating the growing value of intellectual property in emerging economies.
Earlier, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, said the partnership with WIPO would strengthen Nigeria’s legal and institutional framework for innovation and creativity.
He noted that Nigeria’s vibrant community of creators, innovators, startups and technology-driven businesses requires a robust intellectual property system to sustain growth and competitiveness.
Also speaking, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, pledged the ministry’s support for initiatives aimed at creating jobs and unlocking opportunities in the creative sector.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, said the inauguration of the WIPO office and ongoing engagements with relevant ministries underscore the Federal Government’s commitment to intellectual property development, trade, investment and innovation-driven growth.
The partnership is expected to boost Nigeria’s efforts to transform intellectual property into a key driver of economic development, investment attraction and job creation.
Tinubu Building Economy Where Intellectual Assets Generate Wealth, Says Shettima