Sustainable Development of Nigeria Geographic Indicators (GIs)Stakeholders Engagement 201

Background

The contemporary situation of Nigeria’s economy which has been criticized by many to be ill has necessitated the need for her to diversify her economy towards standardization in compliance to International protocols.The current policy drive of the Nigerian government is to have sustainable international market for products of Nigerian origin. This has made it expedient to have a broader strategic approach to Nigerian Geographical Indications (GIs).

What are GIs? GIs apply to products that preserve local cultural practices and traditional knowledge in the production value chain, due to their territorial reliability and source of origin. A GIs product provides revenues and pride to millions of producers and SMEs around the world. These products preserve the culture of producers in the production value chain and play a key role in the sustainable development of the local communities. In Nigeria we have so many products that are qualified to be considered as GIs products which unfortunately are yet to be rated so.

In order to advance the objectives of putting Nigeria on the global map through the creation of GIs products, the Africa International Trade and Commerce Research with the partnerships of Synergos and MSCA Projects initiated and conveyed a one-day Stakeholders Engagement event in Abuja.

The Stakeholders Engagement Event

Premised on the background and the dire need to kick-start Nigeria on the path to strategically identifying and promoting GIs products, a Stakeholders Engagement meeting titled: “Sustainable Development of Nigeria Geographical Indications (GIs)” was organised and conveyed on the 25^th October 2017 at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja with the theme: “Making Nigeria GIs Global”.

The event which had in attendanceabout 50 stakeholdersdrawn from public agencies, private sector, development organisations and the media,featured the Welcome Address of the lead convener,Mr. Sand Mba, Opening Remark by the Country Director, Synergos Nigeria, Mr. AdewaleAjadi, and technical presentations by Dr. Mark Abani and Dr.OsitaAniemeka. These were followed by round-table interactive discussions to answer questions of participants and to evolve actionable resolutions.

Emerging Themes and Thoughts on GIs

• Geographic Indicators (GIs) in simple termsrefers tounique features of a product in the global market.
• Though already practiced globally for decades, especially in developed climes, the concept and practice around Geographical Indicators is away of differentiating and branding food and agricultural products bearing on the ideals of the natural origins of the products.
• While some developed nations and countries such as EU,China and India have 4915, 2790 and 282of GIs products respectively, Africa has only three of which none is from Nigeria.
• There are proofs and evidences of linkages between the evolution of GIs products and sustainable rural developmentof the places of origin.
• Premium promotion and pricing is easily attracted for products indicated and identified with a particular place or region.
• GIs thrives on understanding and driving the principles and practice of value chains and therefore, there is a need to develop the value chains where they do not exist and strengthen them where already in existence.
• Consumers are increasingly exercising preferences in their choice of food, therefore the need to develop products for GIs.
• Until food security is established, food safety and food sovereignty, leading to sustainability cannot be promoted.
• In order to take farming to the next level and make the most of it, it cannot continue to be managed as a mere traditional and generational transfer but as agribusiness establishments and must be protected.
• In order to achieve the objectives of GIs for Nigeria, there must be investments in data management and new technologies.
• Nigeria needs to develop a strong power of origin in order to establish its products as GIs in the global market.
• Standardisations of products to meet global standards, access to international trade opportunities as well as multilateral and bilateral agreements are pivotal towardsachieving Nigeria GIs products.
• GIs have the potentials to positively change the course of history in Nigeria and in the global space.

Key Issues and Challenges

• The awareness around Geographic Indicators in Nigeria is massively poor.
• There is huge dearth of information in the government agencies that should be promoting and advancing the ideals of GIs
• Database that should form the basis for the take-off and establishment of many products as GIs is unavailable, inadequate and unreliable.
• Where private practitioners are making efforts to galvanise and advance GIs for Nigeria,the relevant government institutions are still lagging behind due to factors of bureaucracies, low commitments and weak inter-agency relationships, among others.
• The current Intellectual Property laws and other relevant laws are not adequately developed to enhance the development of GIs.
• Human and material resources to champion and sustain GIs are grossly deficient in relation to the need at hand.

KeyResolutions

• To make Products of Nigerian origin Global- the driving force should be from the private sector, the relevant government agencies should make the business environment friendly.
• There should be deliberate efforts to raise awareness of the critical mass of advocates, practitioners and promoters of GIs
• The outcomes of the Stakeholder Engagement event, 2017 is strategically pave way for a national summit in 2018 as well as commence the process for a 10 years framework on enlisting products of Nigerian origin as global GIs.
• Mobilization and voluntary participation of technical working groups towards the birthing of a NationalGIs summit.
• Nigeria GIs research report/finding presentation that will promote the identified GIs products of Nigerian Origin during national summit.