The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN on Tuesday in Abuja received a high-level delegation from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), led by its Director General, Mr. Daren Tang, as part of efforts to deepen collaboration in advancing innovation, science, technology, and intellectual property development in Nigeria. The engagement reflects a shared commitment to leveraging innovation and intellectual property as critical drivers of economic growth, industrial competitiveness, and sustainable national development.
During the meeting, both parties discussed strategies to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem through the commercialization of research and development outcomes, enhanced intellectual property protection, promotion of technology-driven entrepreneurship, and support for innovators, researchers, startups, and creative enterprises. These efforts are aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at accelerating economic transformation and national prosperity.
Dr. Udeh reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that empowers innovators and entrepreneurs to contribute meaningfully to national development. He emphasized that innovation, science, and technology remain central to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda and highlighted the importance of intellectual property rights in stimulating innovation, attracting investment, and creating wealth.
The Minister further stated that the Ministry remains committed to working closely with WIPO to deepen public awareness of intellectual property, strengthen institutional frameworks, and enhance the administration and protection of intellectual property rights in the country. He noted that stronger collaboration with WIPO would help position Nigeria as a leading innovation hub in Africa.
Speaking during the visit, WIPO Director General, Mr. Daren Tang, commended Nigeria’s efforts in promoting innovation and advancing science and technology for national development. He reaffirmed WIPO’s commitment to supporting the country through technical assistance, capacity-building programmes, and strategic initiatives aimed at unlocking the immense potential of Nigerian innovators, creators, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
The meeting concluded with both parties expressing their commitment to advancing discussions towards the drafting and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will provide a framework for deeper cooperation in innovation promotion, technology transfer, capacity development, and intellectual property management, with the ultimate goal of driving sustainable economic growth and development in Nigeria.
Mrs. Pauline Sule, anipr
Head, Press and Public Relations Unit
Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST)
