Abuja: At the 2026 World Intellectual Property Day celebration in Abuja, stakeholders underscored that Nigeria is leveraging Intellectual Property (IP) as the central engine for sports economy growth.
The event, organised by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), was themed “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate” and held at the United Nations House in Abuja.
The seminar brought together policymakers, athletes, and industry leaders to discuss the intersection of sports, innovation, and economic development.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, in his keynote, emphasised that intellectual property must be at the forefront as Nigeria transitions sports from recreation to a structured economic asset.
Dikko noted that media rights, branding, sponsorship, data, and technology in modern sports hinge on intellectual property protection.
He stressed that Nigeria’s critical issue is harnessing, protecting, and commercialising sports IP assets to drive economic transformation, rather than developing talent alone.
“Intellectual property is what transforms sports from mere activity into a viable economic asset,” he said.
He added that ongoing reforms under President Bola Tinubu aim to reposition sports as a contributor to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and job creation.
According to him, the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy aims to drive investment-led growth and sustainable financing.
Dikko highlighted four key challenges: weak IP awareness, inadequate rights documentation, piracy, and limited understanding of image and data rights.
“We must build a culture where athletes, clubs, and federations understand and protect their intellectual property rights,” he said.
He also called for collaboration among the government, the private sector, and regulators to unlock value across the sports ecosystem.
In his remarks, WIPO Director-General Daren Tang said IP is the “invisible engine” powering global sports.
Tang said IP connects athlete performance with innovation, business, and global reach, driving the multi-billion-dollar sports industry.
“Behind every sporting success is a framework of patents, trademarks, and copyrights enabling innovation and investment,” he said.
He emphasised that IP supports advancements in sports technology, digital broadcasting, and fan engagement platforms, and reaffirmed WIPO’s commitment to leveraging IP for global economic growth and development.
A panel session examined how intellectual property can unlock value in the sports business and media.
Panellists included Beverley Agbakoba-Onyejianya, Jammal Mohammed, Gbemisola Abudu, and Emmanuel Olowononi.
They identified IP as essential for monetising the sport sector through structured media rights, sponsorships, and brand protection.
The panellists called for improved legal frameworks, professional capacity, and stronger enforcement mechanisms in Nigeria’s sports sector.
They also stressed the need to educate athletes and administrators about the commercial value of their rights.
The consensus was that innovation, legal clarity, and robust IP collaboration are vital to building Nigeria’s competitive sports economy.
The event featured stakeholders such as former international player Daniel Amokachi and heads of key IP institutions, including John Asein, the Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, and Shafiu Yauri, Registrar of the Trademarks Registry.
Others were Elsie Attafuah, UN Nigeria Resident Coordinator (A.I), Obiageli Amadiobi, Director-General NOTAP, and Jane Igwe, Patents and Designs Registrar.
The seminar provided insights into leveraging intellectual property for Nigeria’s sports economy.
