The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment has successfully implemented a strategic capacity-building program for Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
The program aimed to leverage intellectual property (IP) and branding as tools for competitiveness, culminating in a well-attended conference where key stakeholders emphasized the importance of innovation, technology, and strategic partnerships in advancing Nigeria's economic growth.
Barrister Adamu Yauri, Director of Trademarks Registry, represented the Honourable Minister of Trade, and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole.
She highlighted the Ministry's commitment to empowering SMEs through intellectual property and branding strategies.
The initiative saw the selection and training of 60 SMEs, equipping them with essential skills to leverage IP for business growth.
The Ministry called upon relevant government agencies to support the trained SMEs with funding and resources.
Other key highlights of the conference included:
- *Mentorship and Continuous Learning*: The importance of mentorship and continuous learning in enterprise development, with the Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA) reaffirming its dedication to training and empowerment.
- *Creative Sector's Economic Potential*: Recognizing the creative sector's economic potential, with plans to launch the Abuja Talent Academy to support creatives and artists.
- *Sustainable Economic Opportunities*: The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering innovation, leveraging technology, and strengthening partnerships to drive Nigeria's SME sector forward, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 17 and 9.
The Minister, in a statement by Adebayo Thomas, Director
Press and Public Relations, also emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to empowering SMEs through intellectual property and branding strategies.
He expressed gratitude to WIPO for its unwavering support, particularly through the WIPO Build Back Fund—a post-COVID-19 initiative aimed at assisting member countries in economic recovery.
The initiative saw the selection and training of 60 SMEs, equipping them with essential skills to leverage IP for business growth.
In furtherance of this vision, the Ministry called upon relevant government agencies such as the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) to support the trained SMEs with funding and resources.
The Permanent Secretary Amb. Nura Abba Rimi ably represented by the Director, Federal Produce Service and Inspection, Mr. Dafang Sule appreciated the leadership of WIPO for the laudeble initiative and urged participants and beneficiaries to leverage on the knowledge and skills acquired in the course of the programme.
Other distinguished speakers echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the significance of intellectual property in building sustainable businesses.
The Director, World Intellectual property Organization (WIPO), Nigeria Office Mr.Oluwatobiloba Moody commended the commitment and engagement of participants, and encouraged them to view trademarks not just as a marketing tool, but as a valuable commercial asset.
“SMEs should recognize that trademarks themselves can hold monetary value and be commercialized separately,” he advised.
The conference also underscored the role of mentorship and continuous learning in enterprise development.
The Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA), a key partner in the initiative, reaffirmed its dedication to training and empowerment.
Acting Managing Director, AEA Mr Chudi Ezingwe announced the establishment of the Abuja Business School of Entrepreneurship, which aims to provide globally recognized training programs.
Recognizing the creative sector’s economic potential, Ezingwu further disclosed plans to launch the Abuja Talent Academy to support creatives and artists.
“The creative industry remained resilient during the global economic downturn, proving that investing in this sector is a strategic move for national growth,” he noted.
The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering innovation, leveraging technology, and strengthening partnerships to drive Nigeria’s SME sector forward.