The Nigerian Law Reform Commission (NLRC) says it will support the ongoing effort by IP First Group on legislature to promote Geographical Indications (GIs) to boost the agriculture sector of the country.

Prof. Jummai Audi, the Chairman of the commission made the pledge in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on  the sidelines of a one-day capacity building workshop on Thursday in Abuja.

The workshop was on Geographical Indications for Public Sector and Policy makers in Nigeria.

It was organised by the IP First Group and Intellectual Property Rights and Innovation in Africa (AfrIPI) with support from the European Union Intellectual Property Organisation and others.

“Over the years, we have been hearing of bad news but with this new initiative on GI that will develop members of community and the whole nation, it is very commendable.

“I promise that we will support this initiative from the beginning to the end of it. From developing the legal framework, seeking ratification from the Minister of Justice and the National Assembly.

“This is a new initiative and I think having a totally different legal framework from copyright, is the best way to go and we are ready to partner with the stakeholders to actualise it and boost the agriculture sector,” she said.

The NLRC boss stressed that since the GI had to do with food and drinks, adding that the commission would work with the stakeholders to develop the legal framework for the initiative.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the AfrIPI is an international cooperation project funded and directed by the EU, co-founded and implemented by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO)

The overall objective of AfrIPI is to facilitate Intra-African trade and African and European investments.

The priority areas of AfrIPI include trademarks, industrial designs, geographical indications, plants varieties and patents. (NAN)