Nigeria Adopts Centralised Automated Platform Registration of Trademarks

The Nigerian government has commenced the process of adopting a centralised automated platform for the registration of Trademarks, Patents and Designs. 

Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari said this during the opening ceremony of the 17th Abuja International Trade Fair, organised  by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The President said the objective of the platform was to fully digitise existing records and automate the registration process to enable ownership and commercialisation of innovation.

According to him, ”The Nigerian Government is keen to help Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs achieve their full potential and has developed strategic policy interventions, enshrined laws and established institutions to create a supportive business environment for entrepreneurs and MSMEs.

 “In line with this, Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment has developed a programme that will enhance access to credit for over 10 million MSMEs at single digit rate.”

The President explained that the project would address  key ecosystem issues such as development of MSME clusters to lower operating costs as well as capacity building initiatives.

He noted that the  trade fair provides an opportunity to change the narrative of what MSMEs are and demonstrates how innovative they can be.

President Buhari said “Nigeria is estimated to be home to over 40 million MSMEs who, together, contribute about 48% of our GDP.

“Here present, I see enterprises with the capacity to produce in large quantities, I see enterprises that employ large cross-sections of our youth population, I see enterprises with the capacity to export, I do not see small businesses here I see future mighty business.”

President Buhari was represented by the Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Mr Adeniyi Adebayo.

The President Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Al-Mujtaba Abubakar, said since its inception, the Trade Fair has served Nigeria as a trusted global trade destination and a potential market for over 50,000 consumers.

He stated that Trade Fair was a unique event that provided opportunities for manufacturers to communicate with product end users, handle customer complaints, and reward brands, thereby promoting businesses.

Mr Abubakar added that the 17th AITF focuses on exports hence, the theme, “Creating an Export Ready Market Through SMEs Digitisation.

“ Digitisation offers a range of opportunities for SMEs to improve performance, spur innovation, enhance productivity and compete on a more even footing with larger firms.”

Confidence Okwuchi