The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting researchers and inventors in safeguarding their Research and Development (R&D) findings for the nation’s socio-economic progress.
During a ceremony in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, the Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, emphasized the crucial role of researchers in Nigeria’s rapid industrialization and economic growth. He urged them to ensure that their patents translate into tangible products and services.
The Minister expressed his congratulations to the recipients of the patents facilitated by the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), highlighting that this was just the initial step towards reaping the economic benefits of their inventions. He emphasized that the nation can only derive maximum benefit from the researchers’ efforts if their patents lead to the development of products and services that contribute to economic growth.
Nnaji commended the Patent and Design Registry of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment for their collaboration and cooperation with NOTAP in actualizing the patent registration process for researchers and innovators.
The Director-General of NOTAP, Dr. Dan-Azumi Ibrahim, announced that the latest group of 18 researchers and innovators receiving patents for their inventions at no cost is in addition to the 322 individuals who have previously benefited from the agency’s support.
In his farewell address after eight years as the DG of NOTAP, Dr. Ibrahim revealed that the agency’s policies aim to foster collaboration between industries and universities to enhance productivity and stimulate Nigeria’s economic growth.
He stated, “Private sectors are here to make money. And you should not be under any illusion that they will prioritize your welfare. So, as regulators, we recognize opportunities and also feel responsible. Whatever they gain from the system, they need to reinvest into the system to facilitate its growth. Therefore, we have formed partnerships with industries, not to stifle them, but to adopt a carrot-and-stick approach. We provide them with incentives, but we also expect them to contribute to the system, and I am delighted to see that they are responding. The key aspect is ensuring transparency in all processes. When the private sector realizes that your interests are aligned with those of the country, they will readily collaborate. However, if they perceive personal interests, the entire purpose is undermined. Therefore, NOTAP has fostered partnerships with industries, all aimed at improving Nigeria’s economic development.”
Dr. Ibrahim highlighted these partnerships as initiatives for building capacity, including instances where the private sector sponsors research and development projects in universities and intervenes before intellectual property translates into commercial products and services.
Last week, NOTAP signed a Memorandum of Understanding with PZ Cussons Nigeria Limited to equip 10 laboratories. Dr. Ibrahim took the opportunity to call on other industries to join in such partnerships, emphasizing the positive impact they have on universities.
Professor Aliyu Shugaba, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, emphasized the need for industries in Nigeria to engage with universities for more research that can enhance the quality of their products and services.
He stated, “The problem is that they are reluctant to approach university researchers because research requires financial investment. However, they fail to recognize that it is necessary to spend money in order to make money.”
The Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO) received three patents for their research during the ceremony. FIIRO’s IPTTO Co-ordinator, Olufolake Davies, highlighted that the institute has a total of thirty patents to date.
She said, “Among today’s patents are isotonic sports drinks, an automation system for kunu zaki production, and another for African yam bean production. It is important to understand that not every patent leads to commercial success, but the few that have been successful have made significant impact. We have Memorandums of Understanding with numerous organizations and higher institutions through which we transfer technology to small and medium entrepreneurs throughout the year. This is something we have been known for as an institute for over sixty years.”
