Reporting by The Punch indicates that key figures across Nigeria’s financial, creative, and digital sectors have initiated discussions on a comprehensive legal and institutional framework designed to enable businesses to secure loans using intellectual property (IP). This initiative is part of the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme, aimed at revitalizing funding mechanisms for local creators.
The consultative engagement, orchestrated by corporate law firm TNP, brought together delegates from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s National Collateral Registry, the Nigerian Copyright Commission, and the World Intellectual Property Organisation. The primary objective is to transform patents, trademarks, and copyrights into recognized, high-value financial instruments for traditional banks.
By resolving the valuation and structural risks historically associated with non-physical assets, the framework seeks to bridge the massive funding gap facing filmmakers, musicians, and tech innovators. Stakeholders expressed optimism that the move will unlock significant economic capital and reduce heavy reliance on physical collateral.
The Guardian covered the industry dialogue, emphasizing that “the creative sector remains one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing GDP contributors but suffers from structural underfunding.” Similarly, Leadership highlighted the perspective of financial regulators, quoting a central bank representative who stated that “establishing a credible registry for IP assets is fundamental before commercial lenders can confidently accept them as loan security.”
Echotitbits take: Utilizing intellectual property as collateral could revolutionize funding for Nigeria’s multi-billion dollar entertainment and tech ecosystems. The main hurdle will be developing a standard valuation model that traditional banks can trust. Watch for upcoming central bank guidelines on asset registration to gauge operational feasibility.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/stakeholders-push-ip-backed-financing-to-unlock-nigerias-creative-economy/, July 13, 2026
Photo credit: YGL Enterprises
