The European Union has once again raised serious concerns about intellectual property rights (IPR) violations in Nigeria, naming the country among a group of third-tier priority nations in its latest biennial report on IPR protection and enforcement.
According to the EU’s Trade and Economic Security Commission, Nigeria joins Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Indonesia, and Thailand in a category that trails behind China, India, and Türkiye—countries the EU considers to pose more significant IPR challenges.
The EU warned that widespread piracy and counterfeiting in these countries are causing substantial harm to the European economy. In 2023 alone, EU customs intercepted 17.5 million counterfeit goods valued at nearly €811 million. Online piracy, the report added, continues to rise.
IPR-intensive sectors contribute nearly 50% of the EU’s annual GDP and account for more than 80% of its exports, making their protection crucial for economic stability and job creation.
Nigeria’s Progress and Shortcomings
While acknowledging steps Nigeria has taken—such as launching a National IP Policy in 2022 and enacting the Nigeria Customs Service Act—the EU report criticizes the country for not making enough progress. Key among the concerns is the failure to pass the Industrial Property Commission Bill, which was introduced in 2016 to harmonize IP legislation and establish a national IP body.
The EU also pointed out systemic inefficiencies, including:
Outdated procedures at the Patents and Designs Registry
Absence of a system for registering Geographical Indications
Weak enforcement mechanisms and poor transparency within copyright management
Nigeria’s growing role as a transit hub for counterfeit goods, particularly from China
“Nigeria’s major seaports act as key entry points for counterfeit items like fake medicines, electronics, and fashion products destined for West Africa,” the report noted.
Despite legislative reforms, enforcement remains weak due to underfunding, lack of trained personnel, and poor judicial infrastructure. Courts often struggle with complex IP cases, leading to inconsistent rulings.
The EU concluded by encouraging Nigeria to build on its existing policy framework to improve IPR enforcement and better align with international standards, such as the TRIPS Agreement.
