WIPO Director General Daren Tang visited Nigeria from June 1-3, 2026, where he held discussions on strengthening the country's innovation ecosystem, supporting startup commercialization and using intellectual property as a catalyst for job creation and investment attraction.
The discussions, including with Vice President Kashim Shettima, centered on Nigeria's newly adopted National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (2025–2030), which provides a framework for unlocking innovation and creativity across sectors. Mr. Tang emphasized that Nigeria's vibrant startup and creative communities need robust IP infrastructure to sustain growth and compete globally.
Discussions focused on leveraging intellectual property to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, startups, youth innovators and creators, while enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global markets.
In his first visit to Nigeria as Director General, Mr. Tang highlighted the significance of the inauguration of the WIPO Nigeria Office – WIPO's first in sub-Saharan Africa – which marks a strategic shift toward grassroots IP awareness and business development support, particularly for MSMEs, youth innovators and entrepreneurs.
Key Abuja engagements:
- Met with Minister of Finance Taiwo Oyedele to discuss how IP can support the economic transformation agenda through innovation financing, development of local technologies, branding of local goods, and the collateralization of IP.
- Met with Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole to discuss implementation of Nigeria’s National IP Policy and Strategy and the strengthening of the country’s IP ecosystem.
- Exchanged with John Inyang Okoro, Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and Chairman, Rules and Regulations Committee of the Body of Benchers, on further strengthening the capacity of the Nigerian courts in the dispensation of IP disputes and expediting legal proceedings.
- Held discussions with Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani on digital innovation and technology-driven growth.
- Met with Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh to discuss innovation commercialization and technology transfer.
- Met with Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande Wisdom to discuss youth engagement and innovation opportunities.
- Met with Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa to discuss support for Nigeria’s creative industries through IP.