THE Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, recently inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee and the Inter-Agency Coordination Group (ICG) to execute the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (NIPPS).

Representatives from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies attended the inauguration at the Bank of Industry, Abuja, on January 16, 2026.

Dr Oduwole stated that with the launch of NIPPS, the government is moving the policy from planning towards impactful implementation.

She reaffirmed that implementing NIPPS is a key national reform priority requiring prompt action.

She recalled that Nigeria spent five years engaging stakeholders across government, industry, academia, and the creative economy to align the IP ecosystem with national, continental, and global priorities.

Dr Oduwole emphasised that the implementation committees will advance reforms and provide concrete benefits to innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, creators, farmers, and businesses.

She thanked colleague ministers, such as the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi and the Minister for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, permanent secretaries, directors, MDAs, private sector partners, WIPO, and others who participated in the stakeholder engagement and will join the Technical Working Group.

She explained that the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee serves as the apex body for policy coordination and oversight of NIPPS implementation.

The committee provides overall strategic direction, aligns ministries, approves the National IP Implementation Roadmap, and facilitates resolution of policy coordination issues.

Other functions of the committee include mobilising resources, building stakeholder support, integrating NIPPS activities with national economic priorities, and ensuring compliance with international obligations, including commitments under the AFCFTA IP Protocol. The committee also seeks to harmonise efforts among government bodies and partners involved in intellectual property matters.

Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, Dr John Asein, representing the Technical Working Group, affirmed the committee’s commitment to its responsibilities and acting in the nation’s interest.

The Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Collins Nweke, and the Head, Legal, Gladys Isaac-Ojo, of the NCC also joined the Technical Working Group for the implementation of NIPPS. (Sunday Tribune)