Nigeria’s creative industry is booming. From Afrobeats to fashion runways to viral skits, our cultural exports light up the global stage.

But behind the glam lies a painful truth: our ideas are making everyone rich except us.

Well, that’s about to change. The Minister for Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musawa, has announced a strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Justice.

“We’re working closely with the Ministry of Justice to ensure we come up with an intellectual property policy,” Musawa stated.

This isn’t just another statement for the press. It’s a response to a growing crisis: Nigeria is leaking creative value and fast.

The Real Cost of No IP Protection

Songs are leaked.
Designs are copied.
Ideas are stolen without credit or compensation.

And this isn’t just frustrating, it’s economic sabotage.

“We are losing value because we do not have these policies in place,” Musawa added.

Without clear, enforceable copyright and intellectual property (IP) laws, Nigerian creators from Nollywood filmmakers to tech innovators remain exposed and underpaid.

Culture Is Capital If You Protect It

Fortunately, the tide is turning.

Musawa’s proposed IP policy signals a deeper shift: the Nigerian government is finally recognising that culture isn’t just soft power, it’s serious economic capital.

However, even the richest assets lose value if they’re not protected. That’s why this new policy matters.

Nigeria Intellectual Property Policy: Hanatu Musawa Pushes for Copyright Reform

Why Every Creative Should Care

Whether you’re a visual artist in Abuja, a fashion designer in Lagos, or a TikTok sensation in Port Harcourt, this affects you.

To thrive, you need:

Legal protection for your work
Frameworks for royalties and fair compensation
Enforceable rights when your creations are misused

Musawa’s announcement could mark a turning point. But only if we pay attention and push forward.

What Happens Next?

Nigeria Intellectual Property Policy: Hanatu Musawa Pushes for Copyright Reform

The Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy plans to co-develop the policy with legal experts and stakeholders. The goal is to:

Protect creative works
Reward originality
Deter exploitation
Encourage innovation

Still, policies don’t write themselves. Creatives must stay informed, voice their needs, and hold leaders accountable.

We can’t keep exporting vibes while importing poverty.

If Nigeria wants to lead in the global creative economy, we must protect the very things we’re known for; our stories, rhythms, colours, and codes.

Now it’s up to all of us to make sure this momentum leads to lasting change not just another forgotten press release.

Nigeria Intellectual Property Policy: Hannatu Musawa Pushes for Copyright Reform