Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Creativity, (representing Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Obi Asika) Prince Baba Agba; UK Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Florence Eshalomi MP; and the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery; at a reception following the official launch of the UK and Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) Creative Industries Technical Working Group In London, last night in London.
In a groundbreaking development for the United Kingdom (UK) and Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), the governments of the UK and Nigeria have officially unveiled the Creatives Technical Working Group. This pivotal initiative is set to strengthen bilateral ties, foster cross-border creative collaborations, and drive sustainable economic growth within the creative sectors of both nations. The launch event, held on Tuesday in London, also featured a dynamic matchmaking session for industry leaders from both countries, opening doors to new commercial alliances in film, music, fashion, gaming, and more.
Florence Eshalomi MP, the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group, emphasised the significance of the partnership, saying, “Today marks a significant moment as we launch the UK-Nigeria Creatives Working Group. Our nations share a rich cultural bond and a deep belief in the transformative power of creativity, through music, film, fashion, and arts. This initiative, rooted in our ETIP, will drive stronger trade ties, foster deeper collaboration, and unlock the full potential of our creative industries. By enhancing market access and investing in skills, we are opening doors to new opportunities that will create jobs and boost economic growth in the UK and in Nigeria.”
On the Nigerian side, Mr. Obi Asika, Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group in Nigeria, highlighted Nigeria’s growing influence in global culture and commerce. “Nigeria’s creative economy is a global force, driven by our storytellers, musicians, designers, and digital innovators. From Nollywood to Afrobeats, fashion to gaming, our industries are reshaping global culture. However, to unlock the full potential of this sector, we need strategic investment and support, not just in talent, but in the institutions and infrastructure that will sustain long-term growth.”
Prince Baba Agba, Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Creativity, further emphasized the importance of leveraging the UK’s expertise. “The UK’s creative industries stand as a global benchmark for institutional excellence, market distribution, and innovation. We are eager to tap into your expertise for meaningful partnerships. This Working Group isn’t just about discussions – it’s about taking concrete actions that will yield tangible outcomes for creators, businesses, and industry stakeholders on both sides.”
Adedayo Ayoade, Product Lead at Gbedu Labs, representing Nigeria’s music industry, expressed excitement about the future of the sector, noting, “The future of Nigeria’s music industry lies in live experiences, innovation, and global collaborations. The launch of the Creative Industries Technical Working Group, under the ETIP framework, represents a significant first step towards bridging cultures and amplifying the voices of the next generation.”
This launch marks a defining moment in the UK-Nigeria relationship, offering both nations an institutional framework for meaningful discussions and actions to unlock the full potential of their creative industries. The Group’s joint workplan for 2025 outlines a clear path forward for fostering long-term collaboration and commercial growth.
