By Janefrances Chibuzor
In a significant development for Nigeria’s creative economy, Obi Asika, Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture and Co-Chair of the UK-Nigeria Creatives Technical Working Group, has underscored the potential of the newly launched collaboration between Nigeria and the UK. This partnership, part of the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), aims to drive the growth of Nigeria’s creative sectors, including music, film, fashion, gaming, and digital media.
Asika reiterated that Nigeria’s creative industries, from Nollywood to Afrobeats, are already making waves globally, but to truly unlock their potential, the country needs strategic investment and support in both talent and infrastructure.
“Nigeria’s creative economy is a global force, driven by our storytellers, musicians, designers, and digital innovators,” said Asika. “Our industries are reshaping global culture. However, to fully unlock the sector’s potential, we need more than just talent, we need sustainable institutions and infrastructure. The UK’s expertise will be instrumental in helping us achieve this.”
He highlighted the importance of leveraging the UK’s creative industry success, citing its global benchmark for innovation, market distribution, and institutional excellence. Asika expressed confidence that this collaboration would provide tangible outcomes, creating new opportunities for creators, businesses, and industry stakeholders in both nations.
“We are excited about the possibilities this partnership will bring, as it will empower Nigeria’s creative sectors to expand globally and tap into new markets,” he added. “This is a critical step towards ensuring long-term growth and sustaining the momentum of Nigeria’s cultural impact on the world stage.”
With the UK-Nigeria Creatives Technical Working Group now established, the focus is on fostering deeper collaboration, enhancing market access, and investing in skills to ensure that the creative economy continues to thrive. Asika’s statement marks the beginning of what is set to be a transformative partnership between the two nations
