The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Ms Mariam Katagum has commended the immense contributions of the World Intellectual Property Organisation(WIPO) towards nation building.
Katagum gave the commendation when a team from WIPO, led by its Assistant Director-General , Dr Edward Kwakwa visited her on Wednesday in Abuja.
The minister appreciated the organisation’s collaboration with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in boosting trade in the country.
While acknowledging WIPO’s contribution in boosting the capacities of the ministry’s Trade Mark Registry and Patents and Designs Registry, Katagum called for more collaboration between the duo to achieve more strides.
“I want to commend the organisation for validating the National Intellectual Property Policy for the growth of Micro,Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
“The present administration has provided supports for the MSMEs to the tune of N75billion in order to cushion the effects of Covid-19 in the country.
“ I therefore wish to appeal to WIPO to consider the size of Nigeria’s growing population and subsequently increase the support they are rendering to the country.
Earlier in his remarks, the assistant director-general of WIPO, expressed his appreciation to the Minister and the Ministry for the excellent working relationship they have enjoyed over the years.
Kwakwa commended the two Registrars of the Trade Registry and Patents and Designs in the ministry, for ensuring adequate collaborating with the officials of WIPO to drive the programme.
According to him, the collaboration between the two parties ( ministry and WIPO) has put Nigeria on the Map of Intellectual Property on the Continent.
