PROTECTING ORIGIN, PRESERVING IDENTITY: THE CASE FOR A GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS FRAMEWORK IN NIGERIA

Abstract

In today’s global marketplace, products that are associated with specific regions have become highly valued both commercially and culturally due to the legal safeguards provided by Geographical Indications (GIs). Countries like the European Union and India have effectively used GI systems to support rural growth, protect traditional knowledge, and improve their ability to compete in international trade. However, Nigeria, which has a wealth of origin-linked products such as Ofada Rice, Ijebu Garri, Uda Pepper, and Kano Leather, does not have a complete legal and institutional system in place to protect these products through GIs. This lack of protection has led to financial losses, unauthorized use of these products, and the slow fading away of cultural traditions. To fix these problems, the article suggests creating a separate law specifically for geographical indications, making the Intellectual Property Office of Nigeria (IPONIG) the main authority responsible for regulating GIs, and encouraging producer groups to handle and protect GI rights. Moreover, it recommends using the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to improve recognition and support for Nigerian GIs across the region. The article ends by stating that the lack of a GI framework in Nigeria is both a legal and development issue.