Nigeria Ushers in a New Era for Digital Trade and IP Protection
Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) has given its approval to a series of significant reforms designed to fortify digital trade and modernize the nation’s intellectual property (IP) framework. This pivotal decision, announced on Thursday, November 6, 2025, follows the presentation of four strategic policy initiatives by Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. These groundbreaking approvals are set to profoundly impact Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital economy, laying down crucial foundations for innovation and growth within the African tech landscape and positioning the country for enhanced digital trade.
Bolstering Nigeria’s Digital Economy and IP Framework
Central to these reforms are two key policy instruments: the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (NIPSS) and the ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Protocol on Digital Trade. Both initiatives are regarded as indispensable steps for deepening Nigeria’s burgeoning digital economy. The NIPSS, a comprehensive strategy developed since 2020, represents a collaborative effort among several government bodies, including the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), the Patents and Designs Registry, and the Ministries of Industry, Trade and Investment, and Justice. This extensive development process also benefited from expert technical support provided by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). At its core, the NIPSS aims to overhaul Nigeria’s existing, outdated intellectual property laws, bringing them in line with global best practices and the demands of the digital age. Simultaneously, the ratification of the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade is poised to integrate Nigeria more deeply into regional digital commerce, fostering cross-border digital services and trade across the continent. This move underscores Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging intra-African trade for economic advancement and technological collaboration.
These forward-thinking reforms signal Nigeria’s proactive approach to creating a robust and secure environment for digital innovation and commerce. By strengthening IP protection and embracing regional digital trade protocols, the nation is not only safeguarding the rights of creators and businesses but also positioning itself as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation. This strategic alignment promises to unlock new avenues for economic growth, attract investment, and ensure that Nigeria’s digital economy remains competitive and dynamic on both the continental and global stages, benefiting its citizens and fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem.
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