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 to strengthen security and intellectual property protection in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding creative sector.

Disu made the proposal on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, while delivering a lecture to participants of the Senior Executive Course 48, 2026, at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, Plateau State.

The lecture, titled “The Orange Economy and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development in Nigeria: The Role of the Nigeria Police Force,” focused on the link between security, entrepreneurship and the growth of Nigeria’s creative industries, with particular emphasis on protecting intellectual property, businesses, digital platforms and other assets supporting the sector.

The IGP noted that industries including film, music, fashion, publishing, advertising, digital content, gaming, tourism, heritage and the arts are increasingly powered by entrepreneurship, technology and intellectual property. He said their contribution to employment, investment and national development could be strengthened when creators, businesses and their intellectual assets are adequately protected.

According to him, the proposed coordination desk would support specialised policing, inter-agency collaboration, dedicated reporting mechanisms and stronger engagement with stakeholders in the creative economy. He also advocated an intelligence-led and partnership-based approach to combating organised piracy, counterfeiting, cyber-enabled fraud and other crimes threatening creative enterprises.

Disu further called for greater use of financial investigation, where applicable, to trace proceeds linked to criminal networks operating through payment accounts, digital wallets, advertising revenues, logistics networks and online distribution channels. He also urged stronger collaboration between the Police, the Nigerian Copyright Commission and other relevant institutions on intellectual property protection.

The IGP identified the protection of film locations, concerts, festivals, tourism sites and cultural assets, alongside improved cybercrime response and preservation of digital evidence, as areas requiring greater attention. He stressed that creating legitimate pathways from talent to lawful income and employment for young Nigerians could also reduce vulnerability to criminal activity, while piracy, fraud and extortion could weaken businesses, discourage investment and undermine innovation.

Disu maintained that policing the creative economy must protect both public safety and the rights necessary for creativity and enterprise to thrive. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to working with government agencies, industry stakeholders, creative professionals and communities to strengthen intellectual property protection and create a safer environment for innovation, investment and legitimate economic activity.