An Examination of the Issues and Challenges in The Enforcement of Trademarks in Nigeria

Despite an extensive legal framework, trademark enforcement in Nigeria is severely hampered by deep-seated legal, institutional, and practical challenges. This article doctrinally explores these issues, identifying outdated legislations, weak enforcement agencies, judicial inefficiencies, and widespread socio-economic factors like endemic counterfeiting and low public awareness. These interconnected challenges constitute systemic weaknesses undermining effective trademark protection. The article recommends concrete steps based on legal reforms, institutional capacity building, and comparative best practices of South Africa and the United Kingdom, with emphasis on the need for an across-the-board approach involving legislative updating, enhanced institutional capacity, judicial specialisation, and firm public-private collaboration to create a trademark regime that fosters economic growth and consumer protection.