Nigeria and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) are strengthening ties to turn intellectual assets into economic growth, with Vice President Kashim Shettima saying President Bola Tinubu is building "a nation where intellectual assets are converted into wealth."

Speaking during a meeting with a WIPO delegation in Abuja on Sunday, Shettima welcomed the opening of WIPO’s first Sub-Saharan Africa office in the capital. 

He said the move would serve as a platform for economic empowerment and job creation.

The Vice President stated that more than 3,000 Nigerian startups, including seven unicorns, are already attracting  huge financial capital. 

"This shows that intellectual property is increasingly being driven by emerging economies," he said.

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Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said the WIPO delegation’s visit reflects a growing partnership aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s intellectual property ecosystem. 

Fagbemi added that for innovation to thrive, Nigeria must maintain a strong legal and institutional framework such as the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy.

Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa said her ministry had set targets focused on job creation and assured the delegation of full partnership. 

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr Jumoke Oduwole said earlier bilateral meetings had led to the WIPO office inauguration and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to IP policy, trade, investment and the creative sectors.

WIPO officials believed stronger collaboration with Nigeria would enhance technology transfer and position the country as a leading intellectual property hub in Africa.