On April 25 and 26, 2025, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Nigeria Office celebrated World IP Day 2025 with two events aimed at exploring the vital role of IP in fostering creativity, innovation, and economic growth within Nigeria's vibrant music sector.
The World IP Day celebrations at the WIPO Nigeria Office commenced on April 25, 2025, with a roundtable conversation titled “The Music Industry as a Catalyst for National Development: Opportunities and Challenges.” The event brought together artists, policymakers, legal experts, and stakeholders across the IP and music landscapes.
The event opened officially with remarks by the United Nations (UN) Deputy Director General and Resident Coordinator, UN Nigeria, Mr. Malick Fall. He highlighted that for Nigerians, music is more than entertainment, but a cultural treasure and a social force. He applauded the Nigerian music industry as being critical in supporting the UN’s work in the acceleration of the nation towards the Sustainable Development Goals. He further stressed the roundtable as a timely opportunity for dialogue on the structures that support the Nigerian music ecosystem. The Representative a.i. of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Abuja Office, Mr. Albert Mendy, represented by Ms. Ofure Blessed Aikhakhomon, put forward that music and other forms of cultural expression can drive the momentum Nigerians need to overcome the challenges they face. She emphasized UNESCO’s continued commitment to working with WIPO and other stakeholders to ensure that intellectual property rights, particularly with respect to cultural heritage and traditional knowledge are protected.
In his own remarks, the Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, Dr. John Asein further stressed the importance of this year’s World IP Day theme in propelling structures that enable individual artists and creators to earn from their craft. Buttressing this, the Director of the WIPO Nigeria office, Mr. Oluwatobiloba Moody, emphasized the need to ensure that everyday artists can have systems that enable them to reap rewards from their creativity. He reiterated that this year’s World IP Day asks us to explore how we can create a thriving music scene that benefits everyone everywhere.
In the same vein, the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Ms. Hannatu Musa Musawa, represented by Mr. Habib Hashim Habib, expressed that the exponential growth of the Nigerian Music Industry, with revenues exceeding N7 billion in 2024, underscores the importance of effective IP protection in ensuring that our artists and creators receive the recognition and financial rewards they deserve. The Minister also highlighted the ongoing programs and initiatives by the government to create an enabling environment for creatives.
The panel discussion that followed explored the real-world challenges Nigerian artists face—from copyright infringement and piracy to lack of awareness about their rights. Moderated by Ms. Olaronke Famuyiwa, Program Officer, WIPO Nigeria Office, the speakers included Mr. Akinyemi Ayinoluwa, Partner and Co-founder at HighTower Solicitors and Advocates, Ms. Ibukun Aibee Abidoye, Executive Vice President at Chocolate City Limited; Mr. John Asein, Director General, Nigerian Copyright Commission, and Mr. Cobhams Asuquo, Global CLIP Champion and Award-winning Music Producer and Songwriter. They emphasized the need for more accessible legal frameworks, capacity building, and greater collaboration between public institutions and private creatives. WIPO’s continued commitment to supporting national IP systems was also lauded as instrumental in bridging these gaps.
The day ended with a memorable performance by Cobhams, with participants and UN colleagues singing along.
The second event, which held on April 26, was a highly anticipated masterclass with award-winning music producer and songwriter Cobhams Asuquo, who also serves as a Global Champion for WIPO’s Creators Learn Intellectual Property (CLIP) initiative. Titled “IP and the Music Business,” the session offered practical knowledge to emerging and mid-career artists on navigating the business side of music.
Cobhams shared his personal journey through the Nigerian and international music scenes, explaining how an understanding of IP transformed his career. The session covered contract literacy, copyright registration, royalty management, and strategies for monetizing creative works in a digital era.
The event, held in collaboration with the CLIP team, had an interactive component, giving attendees a chance to ask questions and share their experiences. Many left the session not just inspired but equipped with tools, including a clear understanding of the CLIP as an important resource, to better manage their careers and protect their work.
Together, these two events marked a significant moment in WIPO Nigeria’s mission to raise awareness about IP as a driver of innovation and sustainability. By engaging directly with the music industry—a cornerstone of Nigeria’s creative identity—World IP Day 2025 celebrations offered both reflection and action.
The events reaffirmed that Nigeria’s creative future is bright, provided its artists are informed, empowered, and protected. WIPO Nigeria’s approach to IP advocacy—rooted in dialogue, education, and celebration—demonstrates that when creatives understand their rights, entire industries can flourish.
