Why Intellectual Property Could Make or Break Nigeria’s Knowledge Economy—-Obafemi Agaba

By Tosin Clegg

As stakeholders in Nigeria’s intellectual property regime (IP) continue to call for more innovation and stronger enforcement in IP rights, an expert in the field has lifted the lid on the country’s evolving IP landscape, saying it is central to sustaining a knowledge-driven economy.

Obafemi Agaba has established himself as a key figure in Nigerian IP landscape. As Partner at Jackson, Etti & Edu, his work has shaped IP practice, policy advocacy, and the dissemination of IP knowledge in ways that continue to influence both government and industry.

His journey into the field began in 1997, when he became one of the first students at Lagos State University to take IP as an elective course. He later advanced his expertise with a Master’s in Intellectual Property from University College London and a Post-Graduate Diploma in International Copyright Law from King’s College London.

A notable aspect of his work has been his innovative approach to IP enforcement. Faced with the challenges of delays in the court system and difficulties with traditional enforcement agencies, he pioneered the use of the Consumer Protection Agency (now the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission) as an alternative avenue for protecting IP rights.

This strategy provided an additional path for brand owners seeking to protect their intellectual property, bypassing some of the common hurdles in the Nigerian legal system.

Beyond the courtroom, Agaba is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) and is listed on the Panel of Neutrals for both the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and the Nigerian Copyright Commission, where he helps to resolve IP-related disputes outside of court.

His contributions to the field also include academic and published works. His article, “Filling the Vacuum of Intellectual Property Rights Regulatory Enforcement: Nigeria Customs Service to the Rescue,” was published in Business Day newspaper. He has also presented papers at various forums, including the University of Lagos, Colombia University, and Henley Business School in South Africa.

Agaba’s professional standing has been consistently recognised in legal and IP directories of international repute. He has been ranked as an ‘IP Star’ in Nigeria by Managing IP since 2014 and has been nominated as an ‘IP Practitioner’ for the country for three consecutive years, including 2025.

In addition, Who’s Who Legal has named him “Most Highly Regarded” in the Technology, Media & Telecommunications category, while WTR 1000 has recognised him as a “Leading Trademark Professional” and continues to rank him among the top 1000 IP professionals globally.

His involvement in IP policy formulation and advocacy reflects a commitment to the sector’s development beyond his personal practice. This has seen him engage with various government bodies to influence the legal framework.

His career demonstrates a blend of legal practice, academic engagement, and policy work, contributing to the broader IP ecosystem in Nigeria.

The work of professionals like Obafemi Agaba is considered fundamental to strengthening Nigeria’s IP framework, an essential component for fostering innovation and competitiveness.

He revealed that he has also participated in masterclasses at institutions such as Harvard Law School and the Said Business School at Oxford University.