< Précédent

Experts meet in Nigeria to tackle counterfeiting issues

7 Nov 2022
Group photo from the event

On 1 and 2 November 2022, AfrIPI hosted the Consultative Roundtable on Counterfeiting in Nigeria. It was a hybrid event held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Previous studies by international organisations such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development have revealed that African countries are targeted destinations for counterfeit goods such as pharmaceuticals, foods, and beverages. Therefore, key economies in Africa, such as Nigeria, must assume a leading role in raising awareness and acting against infringement of intellectual property rights (IPR) by counterfeiters.

The Consultative Roundtable on Counterfeiting in Nigeria was devoted to exchanging knowledge, ideas, and experience on the socio-economic implications of counterfeiting and IPR infringement. It also focused on IPR enforcement and sought solutions to the problems raised. The event covered counterfeiting and piracy in various industries, including the film industry (Nollywood), pharmaceuticals, alcohol trade, and agriculture.

The objectives of the Consultative Roundtable were to:

  • raise awareness of the dangers of counterfeiting and piracy and increase respect for intellectual property rights;

  • provide a platform for international experts to discuss trends, challenges, and best practices in IPR enforcement to curb counterfeiting;

  • provide a platform for IPR enforcement stakeholders to share their experience and best practices in IPR enforcement matters;

  • establish networks among participants to support, facilitate and coordinate IPR enforcement and strengthen their efforts and systems to detect, deter and punish the trafficking of counterfeit goods.

Some of the key stakeholders who attended the event included the Delegation of the European Union to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the World Intellectual Property Organization, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Interpol and Africa International Trade and Commerce Research.

For more details, check our press release.

Watch the highlights: