Nigeria Targets Global Digital Jobs with New Policy on Intellectual Property and Services Export

Nigeria has taken another major step toward strengthening its digital economy and creating global job opportunities for its youth. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved three landmark policies designed to expand the country’s participation in international trade, protect intellectual property, and help digital professionals export their services to the global market.

According to Techpoint Africa, the approved frameworks include a National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (NIPPS 2025–2030), the ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) digital trade protocol, and the Nigeria Services Export Policy and Implementation Roadmap, which will be executed under the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP).

These policies are part of the Federal Government’s wider plan to position Nigeria as Africa’s largest hub for digital innovation and professional service exports. By focusing on digital trade, intellectual-property protection, and talent mobility, the new strategy aims to create at least one million new digital jobs by 2030.

 “Nigeria has the talent; what we need is the right structure to connect our professionals to global markets,” said Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, while briefing journalists after the FEC meeting.

Driving a Knowledge-Based Economy

The new intellectual-property strategy is expected to encourage innovation among startups, writers, artists, software developers, and entrepreneurs by ensuring that creators can fully protect and profit from their work.

According to BusinessDay Nigeria, the federal government hopes this will attract over $15 billion in new investments into Nigeria’s creative and technology sectors within the next five years.

By aligning national policies with global digital-trade protocols, Nigeria will also be able to export professional services including content writing, copywriting, virtual assistance, design, and programming to clients worldwide.

Industry analysts believe this reform could make it easier for Nigerians to receive international payments for freelance and remote jobs, one of the biggest challenges digital workers have faced in the past.

Opportunity for Digital Workers and Startups

Experts say this is a turning point for Nigerian freelancers and small digital businesses. With a structured export mechanism, professionals can now register officially as service exporters, gain access to tax incentives, and benefit from international partnerships.

For freelancers the new policy means increased visibility and access to verified international clients who are looking for affordable, English-speaking professionals.

The initiative also plans to provide training on cross-border contracting, digital payment systems, and cybersecurity for freelancers working remotely.

 “This policy isn’t just about trade; it’s about giving Nigerians the tools and trust they need to compete globally,” noted a policy analyst at the Lagos Business School.

Boosting Investor Confidence

The combined reforms digital-trade protocol, IP policy, and export framework are expected to send strong signals to investors that Nigeria is serious about building a transparent and technology-driven economy.

By standardising digital services and intellectual-property laws, startups and innovators will find it easier to secure funding and scale internationally.

Industry observers also point out that as Nigeria strengthens data-governance and intellectual-property frameworks, local companies could attract collaborations with multinational firms looking to invest in African talent and creative industries.

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The Bigger Picture

Nigeria's move comes at a time when global demand for remote services, creative content, and digital innovation is at an all-time high.

With over 50 million active internet users and one of the youngest populations in the world, the country has the potential to become a major exporter of knowledge-based services.

If properly implemented, these policies could transform Nigeria’s economy from one that depends heavily on oil revenues to one that thrives on innovation, creativity, and global digital trade.