IGP Disu Proposes Security, Intellectual Property Desk for Nigeria’s Creative Economy
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has proposed the establishment of an Orange Economy Security and Intellectual Property Coordination Desk within an appropriate existing structure of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to strengthen security and intellectual property protection in Nigeria’s growing creative economy.
Disu made the proposal on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, while delivering a lecture to participants of Senior Executive Course 48, 2026, at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State.
The development was contained in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, ANIPR, on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force, Force Headquarters, Abuja, on September 16, 2026.
Speaking on the theme, “The Orange Economy and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development in Nigeria: The Role of the Nigeria Police Force,” the IGP examined the link between security, entrepreneurship and the development of Nigeria’s creative industries.
He said the creative economy, driven by film, music, fashion, publishing, advertising, digital content, gaming, tourism, heritage and the arts, increasingly depends on entrepreneurship, technology and intellectual property.
According to Disu, the sector has significant potential to contribute to employment, investment and national development if creators, businesses and their intellectual assets are adequately protected.
IGP Seeks Specialised Policing for Creative Sector
The proposed coordination desk, he said, would provide a structured mechanism for specialised policing, inter-agency cooperation, dedicated reporting channels and stronger engagement between the police and stakeholders in the creative industry.
Disu also advocated an intelligence-led and partnership-based approach to combating organised piracy, counterfeiting, cyber-enabled fraud and other criminal activities affecting creative enterprises.
He stressed the importance of financial investigation, where applicable, in tracing proceeds allegedly linked to criminal networks operating through payment accounts, digital wallets, advertising revenues, logistics networks and online distribution channels.
Stronger Police, Copyright Commission Collaboration
On intellectual property protection, the IGP called for stronger collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Copyright Commission and other relevant institutions.
He identified the protection of film locations, concerts, festivals, tourism sites and cultural assets as areas requiring greater security attention.
He equally highlighted improved cybercrime response, preservation of digital evidence and sustained engagement with creative communities as essential components of effective policing of the Orange Economy.
‘Legitimate Opportunities Can Reduce Criminal Vulnerability’
The IGP further highlighted the preventive role of legitimate economic opportunities, noting that young Nigerians provided with credible pathways from talent to lawful income and employment could be less vulnerable to criminal activities.
He warned that piracy, fraud, extortion and other forms of criminality could weaken businesses, discourage investment and undermine innovation within the sector.
Disu maintained that effective policing of the creative economy must strike a balance between public safety and protection of the rights necessary for creativity and enterprise to flourish.
He stressed that “professional, accountable and rights-respecting policing is essential to building confidence among creators, entrepreneurs and investors.”
The IGP said the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to working with government institutions, industry stakeholders, creative professionals and communities to strengthen intellectual property protection and secure creative enterprises.
He added that the Force would continue to support measures aimed at creating an enabling environment where innovation, investment and legitimate economic activities can thrive.
