The federal government has presented 21 patent certificates to some Nigerian researchers, institutions, and innovators for their various inventions and innovations aimed at addressing societal challenges and facilitating economic development.

The innovations that received the patent awards ranged from renewable energy, power equipment, and electrical development.

The benefiting institutions included the research and development arms of the Federal University of Kashere, Gombe, and the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT), Zaria.

The minister of science, technology, and innovation, Uche Nnaji, presented the certificates to the beneficiaries on Monday in Abuja at a ceremony organised by the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP).

Speaking during the ceremony, Mr Nnaji said that intellectual property, in the form of technological innovation, was the basis for the international power structure.

According to him, economic growth and industrialisation of any country depend largely on the efforts of researchers, urging them to be conversant with intellectual property issues.

“I wish to emphasise that this is just the first step in reaping the economic benefit of your inventions.

“The nation can only derive maximum benefit from your efforts if your patents translate into products/services for economic growth. It is not over until your patents enter the market,” he said.

Mr Nnaji lauded NOTAP for delivering on its mandate by providing an efficient process for acquiring and domesticating foreign technologies.

He urged the beneficiaries to create impacts for the federal government’s economic sustainability plan, where research results would be translated into production activities and job creation for the youth.

In her address, the director-general of NOTAP, Obiageli Amadiobi, said that the agency understood that innovation began with securing a patent, which would then be commercialised to drive economic growth and employment.

“NOTAP stands as a committed partner, bridging the gap between inventors, industries, and the global marketplace.

“It is the first step in a larger process that requires sustained support, collaboration, and commercialisation.

“Since its inception, NOTAP has remained committed to this goal. I am proud to share that we have successfully facilitated the issuance of over 340 patent certificates,’’ she said.

Ms Amadiobi also said that NOTAP had intervened in the patent space by reducing the financial burden on academics and researchers so that they could focus on the essential tasks of research and innovation.

“We recognise that the process of securing intellectual property rights can be costly and complex, posing a significant challenge for many inventors, especially within the academic community.

“We support this process through assisting in the evaluation and drafting of patent applications and payment of necessary patenting fees.

“NOTAP ensures that our researchers channel their energy and resources into creating solutions that address societal challenges and contribute to national development,” she said.

The director-general expressed the organisation’s commitment to establishing Intellectual Property Technology Transfer Offices in tertiary institutions, research institutes, and teaching hospitals and building their capacities.

She thanked the partner agencies and stakeholders for ensuring that the wheels of innovation continued to turn.

“Together, we can strengthen our nation’s technology ecosystem and create a future where indigenous innovation drives economic prosperity,’’ Ms Amadiobi said.

Ajibade Michael, founder/proprietor of Horizon International University (HIUN) in Ekiti, said that NOΤΑΡ played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between innovators and industry, facilitating technology transfer, and ensuring the protection of intellectual property rights.

Mr Michael, whose institution benefitted from the award in healthcare innovation, said the patent certificates reflected efforts of individuals and organisations who had put in countless hours of hard work, research, and dedication as recognised by NOTAP.

He called on other agencies to emulate NOTAP by creating an enabling environment for inventors to thrive.

(NAN)