STAKEHOLDERS in the textile industry have identified the adoption of advanced technologies, a robust Intellectual Property (IP) Policy, strategic business planning and the use of authentic materials and processes as the key drivers to revitalizing Nigeria’s indigenous textile industry and unlocking its full economic potentials.
This consensus emerged at the 2024 African Weaving Festival (AWeF ’24) Symposium, held in Abuja on May 15, 2024.
The Symposium which was a collaborative effort between the African Weaving Festival, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and the F.C.T Departments of Arts and Culture, provided a platform for industry experts and stakeholders to showcase and share insights and strategies for promoting the growth and development of the indigenous textile industry.
Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Dr. John O. Asein, delivering his keynote address and the first paper on Intellectual Property (IP) and the Future of African Indigenous Fabrics at the Symposium, highlighted the importance of IP Rights to the African indigenous Fabrics and Textile industry to include: guarantee for sustainable exploitation of the creation of the mind, conferment of rights, protection of investments, incentivizing creativity and innovation, enthroning fair competition, ingenuity and all-round development in the industry.
Dr. Asein who was represented by the Director, Nigerian Copyright Academy (NCA), Mr. Collins Nweke, also noted that some of the IP rights available to players in the industry are: Copyright Related Rights; Industrial Rights which includes Patents, Trademarks, Industrial Design, Geographical Indication and Trade Secret.
He also enlightened participants on the importance of IP Rights to the African indigenous fabrics and textile industry; the future and opportunities available to key players in the industry. While highlighting some of the rights for stakeholders in the fabric and textile sector, he noted that pictorial, graphic, designs or sculptural work, fixed or imprinted in or on fabrics can be protected as artistic works under copyright if they contain sufficient amount of creative expressions like: original sketches of designs and original patterns of the fabric.
Dr. Asein stated that to reposition indigenous African fabric industry, there is need for practitioners and stakeholders to embrace international proven business models to upgrade existing production and marketing structures, integrate IPRs into the entire framework of the industry to enhance competitiveness and profitability, encourage more bilateral agreement with foreign counterparts, push for the development of unique legal protection to tackle present limitations of IPRs, among others.
The DG-NCC, gave assurances that the NCC in line with its mandate is committed to support and engage with relevant stakeholders to strengthen and sanitise the African indigenous fabrics industry to ensure that practitioners receive maximum reward from their creations.
Executive Director/ Chief Executive Officer, National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini, delivering the second paper ”What Has Nollywood Got To Do with It?” noted that the indigenous textiles industry is not only a crucial part of Nigeria’s cultural heritage and film history but an essential component of the nation’s socioeconomic advancement.
While giving assurances that the Noollywood will continue to promote and popularize indigenous textiles, Dr. Husseni tasked stakeholders in the production and distribution chain to use authentic fabrics and strengthen the processes. “Let’s emphasize on those fabrics that are weaved. Let’s have narratives that shows how we make these fabrics” he said.
He further assured that “despite the rise of modern and western fashion, traditional fabrics and dresses remain popular not only in Nigeria…with the growing interest in African inspired fashion and desire to preserve our cultural heritage. There is no doubt that traditional textiles will continue to play a significant role in the country’s movie industry in years to come”.
The event was moderated by Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research/ Partnership, Federal University of Lafia, Nassarawa state, Prof. Samaila Usman Dakyes. Panelists of the symposium included, IP practitioners, retired Director, Regulatory and Compliance of the Commission, Mr. Mike Akpan; CEO, Treasures 4life AGH, Mr. Imal Silva and a member Board of Trustee, National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP).
Mary Adegbile
For: Director-General.
