BIODIVERSITY PROSPECTING IN NIGERIA - SEEKING EQUITY AND RECIPROCITY IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY-RIGHTS THROUGH PARTNERSHIP ARRANGEMENTS AND CAPACITY BUILDING

The regulation of genetic materials in Nigeria for the isolation of bi ologically active compounds and/or their exportation from the country fall under the purview of several government departments and parastata ls. In principle, biological resources are considered similar to any o ther natural resource with different levels of stake holders. Specific restrictions, however, apply to the export of food crops. Nigeria is a traditional society where most of biodiversity belongs to what could be appropriately classified as public domain. It has therefore not be en easy to carve out property rights from what is generally regarded a s communal resources. Private access and occupancy of land and tenure are derived mainly from rights of membership of kindred groups or as c ustodian of 'family' inheritance. The multi-state federal structure al lows for negotiations to be conducted mainly at the level of the vario us State Government Departments responsible for forest resources, and the Federal Government providing the necessary policy guidelines and r egulations. The Bioresources Development and Conservation Programme (B DCP), an international NGO based in Nigeria, has adopted an innovative model for biological prospecting based on establishing strategic part nerships and capacity building.