Nigeria and the United Kingdom are driving a fresh push to strengthen collaboration in the creative sector, with both governments emphasising the industry’s potential to create jobs, boost growth, and expand international influence.
Shared Expertise And Opportunity
Opening the Nigeria Creative Economy Week in Abuja, themed “Building Futures through Creativity,” British High Commissioner Richard Montgomery called Nigeria’s creative industry a global force.
He explained that the sector already ranks among the eight priority areas in the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), which aims to deepen economic ties between the two countries.
Montgomery also pointed out that Britain’s creative economy sustains 2.4 million jobs.
By comparison, Nigeria’s fast-growing, youth-driven sector could chart a similar path.
“Nollywood, Afrobeats, and fashion already dominate global markets,” he said.
“The UK brings expertise and finance, while Nigeria contributes innovation and cultural richness.
Together, we can achieve mutual benefit.”
Building A Global Creative Standard
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In addition, Montgomery praised the Nigerian diaspora in Britain for serving as a bridge for cultural exchange.
He also commended the British Council for decades of work supporting young Nigerians and promoting cultural diplomacy.
Building on that, British Council Country Director Donna McGowan described the week-long event as a platform that demonstrates creativity’s power to drive inclusive growth and create jobs.
She stressed that policies, enabling frameworks, and skills development must unlock Nigeria’s vast potential.
Meanwhile, representing Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa, Permanent Secretary Mukhtar Muhammad labelled the creative industry Nigeria’s “new national pride” and “global passport.”
He argued that UK-Nigeria collaboration can attract new investment, foster talent, and set a global benchmark for creative economies.
Looking ahead, both governments voiced optimism that the partnership will unlock billions in value and tighten cultural ties in the years to come.
