WIPO Nigeria Office Hosts World IP Day Seminar on Securing Nigeria’s Food Systems Using Innovation and Creativity

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Nigeria Office (WNO) hosted a seminar themed “Zero Hunger - Securing Nigeria’s Food System through Innovation and Creativity," on April 26 to commemorate the World Intellectual Property Day 2024.

The seminar, centered around the broader World IP Day theme, “IP and the SDGs: Building our common future with innovation and creativity”, was attended by approximately 380 participants from diverse sectors including government, private organizations, legal experts, academia, and media. It aimed to provide a platform where experts in the field of intellectual property, innovation and creativity in Nigeria can share experiences, insights, and best practices on how IP can support the goal of achieving zero hunger in Nigeria.

The event featured a special address by Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, where he underscored the alignment of the seminar's theme with national development priorities. He called for a partnership between the Ministry and WIPO towards supporting the transformation of Nigeria’s food systems using innovation and creativity.  A keynote on the importance of IP rights in the new global knowledge economy was delivered by Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and ex-Deputy Director General at WIPO.

A highlight of the event was a panel discussion on the theme with the following speakers: Dr. Imiyoho, Director General, NOTAP; Dr. Okelola, Ag. Registrar, Plant Variety Protection Office; Mr. Serigne Loum, Head of Programs, World Food Program; Ms. Igwe, Ag. Chief Registrar, Patents and Designs Registry; Ms. Aisha Salihu. Assistant Chief Registrar, Trademarks Registry; and Mr. Sand Mba, Director, Africa International Trade & Commerce Research. Mr. Senator Ihenyen, Lead Partner, Infusion Lawyer and Chairperson Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law, IP Committee, moderated the session.

The seminar concluded with a question-and-answer session and a Design Exhibition showcasing artwork from the inaugural "WIPO National Design Competition," themed "IP and Sustainable Development: Designing the Nigeria of my Dreams."

The seminar served as a catalyst for dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders in advancing Nigeria's agricultural and food security agenda. Urgent actions were called for, including legislative measures on geographical indicators, sustained investment in IP education, and infrastructure to maximize the potential of IP initiatives.

The event showed the commitment of WIPO and its partners to harnessing innovation and creativity to build a sustainable and secure food future for Nigeria.

Remarks by the Nigeria’s Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security