Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, has held a series of high-level engagements aimed at advancing the country’s trade, innovation, and industrial development agenda during the 68th Assemblies of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
On the sidelines of the Assembly, Dr. Oduwole met with the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to discuss the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), digital trade, and digitalization under Nigeria’s current chairmanship of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers.
In Lausanne, Switzerland, the Minister also participated in the Informal Ministerial Policy Dialogue, where she highlighted the role of innovation and creativity in shaping future societies and driving sustainable economic development.
As part of her engagements, Dr. Oduwole held strategic bilateral meetings with senior officials of the World Intellectual Property Organization, including Deputy Director-General Mzukisi Qobo, Assistant Director-General Lisa Jorgenson, who oversees the Patents and Technology Sector, Assistant Director-General Binying Wang of the Brands and Designs Sector, as well as the Madrid System team. She also met with representatives of the International Trademark Association (INTA).
According to the Minister, the engagements were aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s trade and intellectual property partnerships, enhancing industrial competitiveness, and promoting innovation as a catalyst for economic growth.