MRA, NCC push for modernised intellectual property laws in Nigeria

The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have renewed calls for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s intellectual property (IP) legal framework, urging reforms that reflect the realities of the digital age while protecting innovation, access to information, and freedom of expression.

Marking this year’s World Intellectual Property Day, MRA warned that Nigeria’s existing IP laws remain outdated, fragmented, and increasingly inadequate for today’s fast-evolving technological environment.

According to the organisation, the current system places unnecessary limitations on creativity and access to knowledge, while also creating uncertainty for content creators, innovators, and investors.

Speaking through its Programme Officer, Ayomide Eweje, MRA stressed the need for a unified, modern, and rights-based IP regime that supports national development without undermining public interest.

She noted that emerging realities such as artificial intelligence, digital assets, and online content creation are not sufficiently covered under existing laws, leaving critical gaps in regulation and enforcement.

Eweje also emphasised that intellectual property protection must be balanced with the public’s right to access information, especially in areas such as education, journalism, research, and archiving. She argued that overly strict protections could unintentionally hinder civic engagement and knowledge sharing if not properly checked with strong legal exceptions.

She further raised concerns about the relationship between IP rules and the Freedom of Information Act, urging clearer safeguards to prevent public institutions from using copyright or confidentiality claims to deny legitimate information requests.

On digital regulation, MRA called for clearer rules guiding the responsibilities of online platforms, particularly in relation to copyrighted content. It recommended balanced notice-and-takedown systems that protect both rights holders and users from abuse or arbitrary content removal.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) also highlighted the economic importance of strong IP protection, describing it as a key driver of national growth and innovation.

In his message for the 2026 World Intellectual Property Day, NCC Director-General Dr. John Asein said effective management of intellectual property rights is essential for ensuring fair returns for creators, investors, and other stakeholders.

He noted that this year’s theme, “IP and Sports: Ready. Set. Innovate,” is particularly relevant for Nigeria, coming shortly after the approval of the country’s first National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy by the Federal Executive Council.

Asein said the policy marks a major milestone, positioning intellectual property as a strategic tool for innovation, youth empowerment, and wealth creation.

He explained that the sports industry has evolved into a major IP-driven sector, where value is now generated not only from performance but also from broadcasting rights, trademarks, merchandise, digital media, and technological innovations.

However, he warned that the sector continues to face serious challenges, including piracy, counterfeiting, and unauthorised streaming of live sporting events, which undermine revenue and discourage investment.

Both institutions agreed that strengthening Nigeria’s IP framework is critical to unlocking innovation, protecting creators, and building a stronger creative and digital economy.