Kenule Nwiya Jr. has sued the Trademark Registry of the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment for registering “Niger Delta Economic & Investment Summit & Device.”
In a complaint filed on May 5, 2026, Nwiya (through his lawyers at Lance & Coopers) accused the Registry of accepting a second trademark application for the name despite Nwiya not having received a response to his application. Trademark lawyer Chibuike Ezeokwuora stated in his letter that Nwiya had filed the application in July 2023, and classified it under Class 41, which relates to the provision of training, education, and event services.
According to the lawyers, the trademark, “Niger Delta Economic & Investment Summit & Device”, was accepted and a Letter of Acceptance was issued on July 24, 2023. They further stated that, as required by law, the application was published in the Trademark Journal and was awaiting issuance of the final trademark certificate, and no objection had been filed against the application.
The lawyers stated that the situation became complicated when the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture submitted a trademark application for the same mark, and the Trademark Registry accepted and acknowledged the application.
Nwiya’s lawyers stated that the acceptance of a second trademark application for a mark already accepted for registration is contrary to the established trademark procedures. They further stated that Nwiya was the first to file the trademark application and had fulfilled all the requirements as stated in the Trademark Act.
