The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved three new policy measures intended to accelerate Nigeria’s shift toward a digital and knowledge-based economy.
The initiatives, presented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, are expected to strengthen intellectual property protection, expand the country’s participation in digital trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and promote the export of professional and technology-related services.
According to information released by the State House Digital Communications Office, the decision aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to diversify the economy and create more technology-driven jobs.
Under the first policy, Nigeria will, for the first time, adopt a national framework for managing and commercialising intellectual property.
Officials say this step will make it easier for innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs to turn creative ideas into marketable products.
The second policy concerns Nigeria’s formal endorsement of the AfCFTA protocol on digital trade, a move that places the country among African nations setting common rules for e-commerce, data protection and online transactions.
The agreement is expected to help create new opportunities for technology companies and digital service providers.
The third initiative, coordinated by the National Talent Export Programme, introduces a mechanism to promote Nigerian professionals and digital service firms abroad.
Government projections suggest the effort could add about $10 billion to the economy each year and generate roughly one million new jobs by 2030.
The presidency said the combined reforms represent “a bold new chapter” in the country’s economic transformation, driven by ideas, data and human talent.
