f you’ve ever built something from scratch ,a brand, a song, a product or a design and watched someone else copy it like it was public property, this one’s for you.
For years, Nigerian creators have fought battles that should’ve been unnecessary. You put in the work, only to see your idea reposted, resold or reproduced with no credit, consent or coin.
Now, that’s about to change.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved Nigeria’s National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (NIPPS) , a framework that gives creators, innovators and entrepreneurs stronger protection over their intellectual property.
Here’s what it means for you:
1. Nigeria Finally Has a Unified IP System
This is the country’s first national framework for protecting intellectual property (IP).
It covers everything from songs and films to software, product designs, brands, and inventions.
The goal is to move from just “protecting ideas” to actually commercializing creativity and turning it into a real, bankable asset.
2. It Was Built with Global Standards in Mind*
Nigeria worked with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to design the policy.
This alignment makes it easier for creators to secure rights locally and internationally, ensuring your work is protected beyond Nigeria’s borders.
3. It Strengthens Protection for Every Type of Creator
Whether you’re a musician, filmmaker, app developer, designer or digital creator, this policy recognizes your creativity as an asset.
- Musicians/Filmmakers: Expect better systems for royalty collection and transparency.
- Startup Founders: Stronger legal protection for your app, algorithm or business model.
- Digital Creators: Enforceable rights for your visuals, campaigns and content , even beyond social media.
No more “internet wild west” where anything goes.
4. The Creative Economy Is Finally Being Taken Seriously
For years, Nigeria’s creative industry has powered the nation’s image from Afrobeats, Nollywood to tech startups and yet the system protecting creators lagged behind.
This policy aims to fix that by:
- Simplifying IP registration and enforcement
- Reducing piracy and duplication
- Connecting IP to economic growth and making ideas bankable assets
In the near future, your design, script or software could be valued as part of your company’s worth.
5. It Opens New Opportunities for Growth
Creators can now:
- Register their work with confidence
- License content across borders under AfCFTA’s digital trade framework
- Collaborate securely, knowing their rights are protected
- Negotiate fairer contracts backed by national policy
It’s the foundation the Nigerian creative sector has needed for years.
6. Implementation Will Be the Real Test
The success of this policy depends on how well agencies like the Nigerian Copyright Commission, Trademarks Office and Patent Registry are funded and digitized.
But the approval itself marks a mindset shift , recognition that Nigeria’s creative class isn’t just a side hustle community but a legitimate force driving national growth.
7. Your Ideas Have Value — Start Acting Like It
Policies open doors, but only those who walk through benefit.
Start documenting, registering and valuing your ideas like assets.
Because soon, the creators who take IP seriously will be the ones building empires not just moments.
Final Thought:
Imagine a Nigeria where every viral skit, jingle or design mockup is automatically protected, where originality is rewarded, not stolen and that’s the future this policy is aiming for.
Now, your turn:
Have you ever had your work copied or your idea stolen? How did you handle it?
Share your story because this conversation isn’t just about policy.
It’s about power , your power to own, profit from and protect what you create.
Stay tuned for next week’s roundup because, in Nigeria, the news never sleeps. Follow Lists NG on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok for more.
