The Director General of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi, has expressed concern over the continued loss of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) by Nigerian researchers due to lack of awareness and proper patenting practices.
Speaking during the IPTTO Coordinator’s Forum in Uyo for the South-South region—represented by Mrs. Caroline Anie-Osuagwu—Dr. Amadiobi highlighted that many researchers publish their work before securing patents, making their innovations legally unprotectable.
She advised that researchers should file for patents before publishing and emphasized that patents are only valuable if they lead to commercialization or licensing.
“Patents without commercial potential are liabilities,” she noted.
The forum also served as a platform for feedback, with coordinators presenting performance updates.
While some centers showed progress, others were hindered by bureaucracy.
The DG encouraged stronger research collaborations and promised a ranking of IPTTOs by 2026.
Participants urged NOTAP to support commercialization efforts by linking them with venture capitalists.