This report, jointly written by the WIPO Nigeria Office and the Africa International Trade and Commerce Research (AITCR), explores how Geographical Indications (GIs) can support Nigeria’s economic diversification, rural development, and global trade competitiveness.

Key Insights

• What are GIs?
  GIs are labels that identify goods as originating from a specific place, where the product’s qualities, reputation, or uniqueness are linked to that origin (e.g., Ijebu Garri, Ofada Rice, Nsukka Pepper).
• Nigeria’s Untapped Potential:
  Nigeria has an estimated 10,000 potential GI products, but none are formally registered. This has led to misappropriation of products like Benue Yam (rebranded abroad as Ghana Yam) and Sokoto Goat Skin (sold as Moroccan leather).
• Global Lessons:
  The EU generated €74.8 billion from GIs in 2017, showing how protected local products can bring global income and protect cultural heritage.
• Policy & Legal Gaps:
  Nigeria currently relies on the Trademarks Act for partial GI protection but lacks a specific GI law. Experts recommend a sui generis framework (like the EU model) to properly protect Nigerian products.
• Benefits of GIs for Nigeria:
  • Drive non-oil export diversification.
  • Increase income for smallholder farmers and women producers.
  • Boost tourism and hospitality through branded local products.
  • Protect cultural heritage while supporting the AfCFTA agenda.

Recommendations

• Enact a stand-alone GI law alongside trademarks.
• Map & catalogue all potential GI products.
• Strengthen inter-agency coordination (Trade, Agriculture, IP offices).
• Launch nationwide advocacy & awareness campaigns.
• Support rural farmers and cooperatives with capacity-building for GI certification.

👉 Overall, GIs present Nigeria with a transformative opportunity to link local heritage to global markets while ensuring sustainability, inclusivity, and trade competitiveness.

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