Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit Alleges Compromise by Acting Registrar Over Trademark Dispute

The founder of the Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit (NDEIS), Kunle Nwiya Jnr, has accused the Acting Registrar of the Trademark Registry under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment of alleged compromise and deliberate delay in handling an ongoing dispute over the use of the summit’s name.

Nwiya said the Trademark Registry has failed to issue an administrative directive restraining the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture from using the name “Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit” for a planned event, despite petitions and complaints already before the Registry.

The dispute centres on ownership and trademark rights linked to the “Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit,” a platform Nwiya said his organisation established and developed over the years as a recognised forum for economic engagement, investment promotion and regional development across the Niger Delta.

According to him, the summit had become a visible platform in economic and investment circles within the region long before the Chamber of Commerce was created.

In a petition filed through its legal representatives, NDEIS asked the Trademark Registry to immediately direct the Chamber of Commerce to suspend use of the disputed name pending the determination of issues surrounding ownership and trademark protection.

The organisation argued that continued preparations for an event under the same identity while complaints remain unresolved could create confusion and undermine the legal protections attached to the brand.

However, Nwiya alleged that despite repeated efforts, the Registry has failed to act.

He accused the Acting Registrar of frustrating attempts to protect the summit’s identity and claimed the delay has raised concerns about fairness and transparency in the handling of the matter.

According to the petition, the continued use of the name by the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce amounts to a violation of the summit’s intellectual property rights.

The legal team representing NDEIS said their client complied with all directives issued by the Registry, including appearing before officials with original documents and other evidence intended to establish statutory ownership and prior rights to the “Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit” name.

The lawyers further argued that allowing the Chamber of Commerce to proceed with its proposed event before a final decision is reached could create what they described as a “fait accompli,” potentially complicating the Registry’s eventual ruling.

They warned that failure by the Registry to take urgent steps may leave NDEIS with no option but to seek injunctive relief through the courts to restrain further use of the name pending legal determination.

Speaking on Friday, Nwiya alleged that after honouring an invitation by the Registrar and waiting several hours at the Registry, he was unable to meet with the official.

He also accused the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment of failing to compel the Acting Registrar to issue an interim administrative order suspending the planned summit until the dispute is resolved.

“The continued silence and delay are raising serious concerns about fairness and transparency in the handling of this matter,” Nwiya said.

The controversy has drawn attention because of the growing prominence of the Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit as a platform for discussions on economic growth, investment opportunities and development across the oil-rich region.

NDEIS maintains that its identity is legally protected and that its use by another organisation without approval amounts to unlawful interference with established trademark rights.

As of the time of filing this report, the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture had not issued any official response to the allegations.

The Trademark Registry under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment had also not publicly commented on the claims.

The matter is expected to remain under close watch as the parties await further action from the Registry or possible legal proceedings if the dispute is not resolved administratively.