By Tolu Aiyegbusi
Stakeholders in the intellectual property subsector have advocated a multi-stakeholder approach towards addressing challenges facing intellectual property in Nigeria.
They have also called for increased awareness and education on intellectual property rights.
They made the call in Abuja on Monday at a report validation workshop organised by the International Center for Regional Integration & Trade Research (ICRITR) and Africa International Trade & Commerce Research (AITCR).
Intellectual property right is a major challenge for creative industry players in Nigeria where in spite of efforts to regulate the system, theft and other forms of abuse persist.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event focused on validating the findings of a seminal study entitled: “Stakeholder Perception of Intellectual Property in Nigeria: Mapping Awareness, Attitudes, and Policy Implications.”
Prof. Ngozi Egbuna, Director, ICRITR said the workshop served as a vital mechanism to ensure the report was accurate, relevant in shaping national policy that protects Nigerian innovation ecosystem.
She urged the stakeholders to explore the potential of block-chain and other digital tools to enhance transparency, reduce bureaucracy and combat counterfeiting.
Egbuna suggested strengthening enforcement of intellectual property laws, developing policies that promote innovation, creativity and fostering collaboration among government, industry and academia.
She said there was the need to create an environment that promotes innovation, creativity and economic growth.
“We must create an environment that fosters innovation and creativity, and IP protection is crucial to this effort,’’ she said.
She highlighted the need for balance, stating: “Nigeria needs to strike a balance between IP protection and access to knowledge, technology, and innovation.”
Sand Mba-Kalu, Executive Director, AITCR, while presenting the report stressed the need for an environment that fosters innovation and creativity.
He also emphasised the importance of intellectual property protection, stating that: “intellectual property is a key driver to economic growth and development. Nigeria must prioritise IP protection and enforcement.”
“The report highlights limited awareness of intellectual property rights among stakeholders, inadequate enforcement of intellectual property laws, and a need for increased education and training on intellectual property.’’
“By working together, Nigeria can create an environment that promotes innovation, creativity, and economic growth.
Mr Enoch Moghalu, Deputy Director, Technology Acquisition and Research Coordination (TARC) National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) commended the study’s comprehensive mapping of IP awareness and attitudes.
He called on participants to understand how policy frameworks could be strengthened to foster innovation and protect IP rights.
He said the role of NOTAP was to register contracts/agreements, which dealt with the transfer and acquisition of foreign technology.
He said it also involved monitoring, regulating and facilitating the inflow of foreign technology. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Uche Anunne
