The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved three major policies to transform Nigeria into a digital, knowledge-driven economy.
The approval was announced by the State House on Saturday following a presentation by the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole.
The reforms align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. This agenda seeks to diversify Nigeria’s economy through technology, creativity, and global competitiveness.
According to the presidency, the policies will strengthen Nigeria’s intellectual property system and promote digital trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). They will also support talent and services exports.
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The first reform, the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (NIPPS), is Nigeria’s first unified framework for protecting and commercialising intellectual property. It was developed in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and over 200 local stakeholders. NIPPS aims to turn innovation and creativity into economic capital.
The presidency said NIPPS would position Nigeria as a regional centre for intellectual property and innovation in West and Central Africa. It will help creators and investors convert ideas into valuable assets.
The second reform is the ratification of the AfCFTA protocol on digital trade, which sets continent-wide standards for e-commerce, data governance, cybersecurity, and consumer protection. With this, Nigeria is expected to lead Africa’s digital commerce growth and attract investment in fintech, online trade, and creative technology.
The third reform establishes a National Coordination Mechanism for Services Exports through the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP). The initiative targets the creation of one million jobs. Additionally, it aims for a $10 billion annual contribution to GDP by 2030 through the export of professional and digital services.
The presidency said the programme would make Nigeria a hub for digital outsourcing and professional services. It aims to meet global demand for skilled labour in technology, healthcare, and finance.
