The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Daren Tang, has concluded a two-day official visit to Nigeria, marking the formal inauguration of the organization’s Nigeria Office—the first and only WIPO office in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The landmark development is expected to deepen collaboration between WIPO and the Federal Government of Nigeria in advancing innovation, intellectual property (IP) protection, and economic development.
During the visit, Mr. Tang held engagements with government officials, including representatives of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, entrepreneurs, students, and key stakeholders in the intellectual property ecosystem. Discussions centered on the evolving IP landscape, opportunities for young innovators, and the critical role of intellectual property in fostering innovation-driven growth.
Reaffirming WIPO’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s thriving creative industries, including Afrobeats and Nollywood, Mr. Tang emphasized that intellectual property remains a powerful driver of employment, investment, and sustainable economic development.
“The world we live in today is no longer defined mainly by physical assets but increasingly by intellectual assets,” he said.
According to him, patents, trademarks, data, brands, and technical know-how have become central to economic competitiveness, noting that emerging economies are increasingly shaping the global innovation landscape.
“Emerging economies are no longer merely consumers of intellectual property; they are now creators and drivers of global innovation,” he added.
Mr. Tang expressed optimism that the newly established office would contribute significantly to positioning Nigeria as a leading innovation and intellectual property hub on the African continent.
Speaking during the visit, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, described the opening of the office as a strategic step toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“SDG progress requires innovation, strong institutions, and IP systems that protect ideas and reward creativity. When creators are protected, economies grow; when ideas are valued, societies advance,” he said.
Mr. Tang was welcomed at the UN House with a vibrant display of Nigerian culture, featuring traditional music and dance performances that showcased the country’s rich heritage and celebrated the significance of WIPO’s growing presence in Nigeria.
The establishment of the WIPO Nigeria Office is expected to enhance access to intellectual property services, strengthen support for innovators and creators, and further integrate Nigeria into the global innovation ecosystem.