By Eunice Orike
The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has announced the successful facilitation of over 340 patent certificates, marking a significant milestone in its mission to promote innovation and intellectual property protection in Nigeria.
The DG who disclosed this in her welcome address at the formal presentation of patents to innovators and researchers which was held recently in Abuja stated why the agency has intervened in helping Nigerian investors and researchers to secure parents.
According to her, We recognise that patents are vital tools in the journey of innovation. They protect the rights of inventors, encourage further creativity, and foster a culture of technology- driven solutions.
While acknowledging that innovation doesn’t end with securing a patent, she highlighted NOTAP’s role in bridging the gap between inventors, industries, and the global marketplace.
According to the Director-General of NOTAP, the agency’s role is complementary to the Patent Registry under the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and its intervention is driven by a clear purpose: to reduce the financial burden on academicians and researchers.
“We recognize that the process of securing intellectual property rights can be costly and complex, and this often poses a significant challenge for many inventors, especially within the academic community,” she said.
To address this challenge, NOTAP provides support through evaluation and drafting of patent applications, payment of necessary patenting fees, and awareness creation on Intellectual Property matters.
The agency also focuses on capacity building for researchers in intellectual property and the establishment of Intellectual Property Technology Transfer Offices in tertiary institutions, research institutes, and teaching hospitals.
The Director-General congratulated the individuals receiving patents, saying, “Your creativity, resilience, and commitment are shining examples of what is possible when talent meets opportunity.”
However with this achievement, she said NOTAP has demonstrated its commitment to promoting a culture of technology-driven solutions and bridging the gap between inventors, industries, and the global marketplace.
NOTAP secured a total of 21 patent certificates for some individuals, groups and the academia, which they promise to monitor and commercialise their products or services to improve the nation’s
