The agricultural sector plays a major role in enhancing the Nigerian economy and
contributes to its development. Despite this promising advantage, the sector is
faced with challenges ranging from food insecurity to environmental crises caused
by limitations in the advancement and efficiency of eco-friendly production
practices, poor technological innovations, and economic instability. Intellectual
property rights (IPR) seek to protect inventions and inventors, who encourage
innovative creation and foster a conducive environment for investments and
sustainable development. This paper examines the roles of IPRs in the agricultural
sector, specifically in promoting sustainable development and food security in
Nigeria. It explores the opportunities and economic challenges faced in ensuring
sustainable development in Nigeria through agricultural practices. This paper
explores regulatory hindrances that may arise in promoting food security and
sustainable development. To achieve the paper’s objectives, the doctrinal research
methodology was adopted. The paper’s findings highlight key challenges faced,
such as poor awareness of IPRs, limited resources, a lack of specialised courts in
the enforcement of IPRs, and poor technological capacity. It recommends
regulatory reforms that encourage agricultural practices that promote sustainable
development, increased rural public enlightenment schemes, and investment in
technological advancement. A shift in creating effective technologies and adopting
sustainable practices with IPRs will contribute to food security, industrial growth,
and sustainable development.
Agricultural practices Economic challenges Intellectual property rights Sustainable development
How to Cite
Igbogbo , O. P., Omobo , J. O., & Olubiyi, I. A. (2026). Intellectual Property Rights in Nigeria’s Agricultural Sector: Promoting Sustainable Development and Food Security Through Innovation. Journal of Sustainable Development Law and Policy (The), 17(3), 24–56. https://doi.org/10.4314/jsdlp.v17i3.2
Oritsemisan Pamela Igbogbo
Joy Oghenefego Omobo
Ifeoluwa A. Olubiyi
The agricultural sector plays a major role in enhancing the Nigerian economy and
contributes to its development. Despite this promising advantage, the sector is
faced with challenges ranging from food insecurity to environmental crises caused
by limitations in the advancement and efficiency of eco-friendly production
practices, poor technological innovations, and economic instability. Intellectual
property rights (IPR) seek to protect inventions and inventors, who encourage
innovative creation and foster a conducive environment for investments and
sustainable development. This paper examines the roles of IPRs in the agricultural
sector, specifically in promoting sustainable development and food security in
Nigeria. It explores the opportunities and economic challenges faced in ensuring
sustainable development in Nigeria through agricultural practices. This paper
explores regulatory hindrances that may arise in promoting food security and
sustainable development. To achieve the paper’s objectives, the doctrinal research
methodology was adopted. The paper’s findings highlight key challenges faced,
such as poor awareness of IPRs, limited resources, a lack of specialised courts in
the enforcement of IPRs, and poor technological capacity. It recommends
regulatory reforms that encourage agricultural practices that promote sustainable
development, increased rural public enlightenment schemes, and investment in
technological advancement. A shift in creating effective technologies and adopting
sustainable practices with IPRs will contribute to food security, industrial growth,
and sustainable development.