Hannatu Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, has underscored the critical role of intellectual property (IP) in ensuring the sector’s success and sustainability.
Stressing the necessity for a comprehensive review of IP policies and their implementation, Musawa has spearheaded the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee in Abuja.
The committee, consisting of representatives from nine ministries, was inaugurated in a ceremony co-chaired by Musawa and Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
Notable attendance included Senator Ben Murray Bruce, a prominent advocate for the creative industries and an integral member of the committee.
The primary mission of the committee is to review and validate the draft National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (NIPPS) for Nigeria.
This draft, developed in 2022 with support from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), aims to fortify the legal protections for intellectual property in Nigeria. Additionally, it seeks to promote the commercial exploitation of IP, facilitate technology transfer, and nurture skilled personnel capable of managing, protecting, and enforcing intellectual property rights.
Minister Musawa articulated the initiative’s significance, stating, “Intellectual property is vital for the creative industry’s success and sustainability. This comprehensive policy review is a critical step towards ensuring our creative talents and innovations are well-protected and can thrive commercially.”
