Software developers, FinTech firms, and banks have been advised to utilise and promote locally made software.
The Director General of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi, gave the advice at the Texcellence Conference in Lagos, organised by an Indigenous IT firm, Computer Warehouse Group (CWG).
Amadiobi revealed the importance of investing in homegrown technology solutions to make Nigeria economically self-reliant and globally competitive in the tech ecosystem.
Speaking on “Government Parastatals Conversation, Collaborative Innovation: Shaping Africa’s Tomorrow Economy,” Amadiobi highlighted the need for better awareness of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).
She noted that many researchers and innovators do not fully grasp the concept of patenting, which prompted NOTAP to establish 67 Intellectual Property Technology Transfer Offices (IPTTOs) across Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and research institutes.
These offices, she said, are aimed at raising awareness of intellectual property rights.
According to a statement by NOTAP’s Deputy Director of Public Relations, Solomon Nshem, Amadiobi stressed the importance of collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) to enhance the capacity of IPTTO managers.
This will ensure that researchers understand IPR and its potential benefits, she said
She however criticised the practice of researchers publishing works solely for promotion purposes and emphasised the implementation of the triple helix model.
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Amadiobi urged software developers and FinTech firms to protect their innovations through patenting or copyright to fully benefit from their creations.
She underscored the need for stronger collaboration between the government and the private sector to strengthen Nigeria’s technology development ecosystem and boost the economy.
In his remarks, the Group CEO of Computer Warehouse Group and convener of the conference, Adewale Adeyipo, acknowledged the role of technology in economic growth and national development, noting that digital transformation is shaping the future of African nations.
Adeyipo stressed the importance of government-private sector partnerships to drive technological progress in Africa.
International speaker Fredrik Haren, known as the creativity explorer, commended Nigeria for its creativity and confidence, encouraging the country to harness these strengths for economic growth.
Haren emphasised the importance of creative thinking and highlighted Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a critical tool for boosting productivity.
The 2024 Texcellence Conference, the third in its series, showcased the latest innovations driving Africa’s digital economy and attracted stakeholders from across the continent.