The Director General of World Intellectual Property Organization, Mr. Daren Tang, is in Nigeria on a two day official visit (1–2 June 2026). His trip marks the formal inauguration of the #wipo Nigeria Office, the first and only office of World Intellectual Property Organization in sub-Saharan Africa — a milestone that strengthens collaboration with the Government of Nigeria in innovation and intellectual property.
DG of WIPO Daren Tang highlights innovation and economic growth in Property Rights.During the visit, Mr. Tang met with government officials, including the Minister of Trade and Industries, Entrepreneurs, students, and IP stakeholders. Discussions focused on the evolving Intellectual Property landscape, career opportunities for young people, and the role of IP in driving innovation and economic growth.
He reaffirmed WIPO’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s creative industries — from Afrobeats to Nollywood — and emphasized that intellectual property is a catalyst for jobs, investment, and sustainable growth. According to him, the global economy is increasingly driven by intellectual assets, including patents, trademarks, data, know-how and brands.
“The world we live in today is no longer defined mainly by physical assets but increasingly by intellectual assets.
“Emerging economies are no longer merely consumers of intellectual property; they are now creators and drivers of global innovation,” he said.
Mr. Tang expressed confidence that the new office will help position Nigeria as Africa’s leading hub for innovation and IP.
Welcoming him, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mr. Mohamed Fall highlighted the office’s role in accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals: “SDG progress requires innovation, strong institutions, and IP systems that protect ideas and reward creativity. When creators are protected, economies grow; when ideas are valued, societies advance.”
Mr. Tang was received at the UN House with a warm cultural welcome — music and dancing, — reflecting Nigeria’s rich heritage and the significance of WIPO’s presence in Nigeria.
