The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the successful acquisition of approximately 340 patent certificates for inventors and researchers in Nigeria since 2010.
The patents were secured through the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), a parastatal under the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology.
Speaking at the formal presentation of patents to innovators and researchers in Abuja on Monday, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, emphasized the critical role of intellectual property and innovation in driving the nation’s industrialisation and economic growth.
“A patent grants exclusive rights to an inventor for their process, design, or invention for a designated period, in exchange for comprehensive disclosure of the invention,” Nnaji explained.
He added, “From 2010 to date, NOTAP has secured about 340 patent certificates for inventors and researchers, including 18 certificates being presented today.
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“Research and innovation are essential for Nigeria’s industrialization. However, the nation can only benefit fully from these efforts when patents are transformed into products and services that drive economic growth.”
In her reaction, the Director-General of NOTAP, Dr. Oby Amadiobi, expressed satisfaction with the agency’s accomplishments.
She noted that while the process of securing patents can be challenging for inventors and researchers, NOTAP has worked to simplify the procedure and reduce the financial burden on academics and innovators.
“I am proud to share that we have facilitated the issuance of over 340 patent certificates.
“Our goal is to enable researchers and innovators to focus on their essential tasks while we handle the complexities of patenting,” Amadiobi said.
She highlighted NOTAP’s collaborative role with the Patent and Design Registry under the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment to protect and commercialize Nigerian innovations effectively.
One of the beneficiaries of the patent program, Professor Ajibade Biodun, expressed gratitude to the government for its support in facilitating the patenting process.
However, he called for more robust policies to safeguard patent owners and inventors.
“We appreciate the government’s intervention, but stronger policies are needed to protect patent owners and inventors,” Prof. Biodun stated.
During the event, 31 patent certificates were issued to researchers and innovators. This milestone further demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to supporting intellectual property protection and fostering an innovation-driven economy.
The Federal Government and NOTAP remain committed to empowering inventors and researchers, ensuring their innovations contribute significantly to Nigeria’s industrialization and economic prosperity
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