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The Federal Government has said that Nigeria’s creative industry is ready for massive investment, calling on local and international stakeholders to take advantage of opportunities in arts, culture, tourism, and entertainment.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Mukhtar Mohammed, made this call in Abuja on Thursday during a press conference to announce the 2025 Creative Economy Week. He explained that the creative industry is one of Nigeria’s strongest sectors and has become a major driver of influence, job creation, and economic growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s creative industry is more than just cultural expression. He said it is a powerful economic force and a global export that already shapes how the world views Nigeria. He pointed to Nollywood, Afrobeats, fashion, and visual arts as examples of industries that showcase the innovation and resilience of Nigerian people.
“To the international community and global investors watching, the Nigerian creative industry is open for business. It is a secure, high-yield frontier for strategic investment,” Mohammed said.
He noted that creativity in Nigeria requires proper structures and strong partnerships to reach its full potential. This, he explained, was why the ministry was working closely with the British Council. He added that the partnership was not about aid but mutual benefit, built on skills development, knowledge transfer, intellectual property protection, and creating access to global markets.
“Our collaboration with the British Council, exemplified by this Creative Economy Week, is a model of such a partnership. It is focused on tangible outcomes—building skills, strengthening intellectual property protection, improving creative entrepreneurship, and opening digital distribution channels for Nigerian content to reach global audiences,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary also stressed that government policies are designed to create a stronger ecosystem for creatives. According to him, structures are being put in place to help artists and creators not only protect their works but also profit from them globally.
“The United Kingdom brings world-class infrastructure, financing models, and global networks, while Nigeria brings unparalleled innovation, compelling content, and a massive youthful market,” Mohammed added.
On her part, the British Council Country Director, Donna McGowan, praised the partnership between Nigeria and the UK. She explained that the creative sector plays a central role in the UK economy, contributing £124 billion annually and creating 2.4 million jobs.
McGowan said the UK was proud to work with Nigeria to develop opportunities for young creatives, build skills, and strengthen cultural links between both countries. She said the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership already includes the creative industry as a major area of focus.
“We are very excited about our Creative Economy Week and the multiple activities and events it presents. Creativity changes lives, builds futures, fosters collaboration, and provides opportunities for young people to grow,” McGowan said.
She explained that the British Council has been working with Nigeria to provide training, capacity building, and support for young and emerging artists. She also noted that Nigerian content is attracting global attention, making the country a natural partner for international investors.
Observers say Nigeria’s creative industry has become one of the fastest-growing in Africa. Nollywood produces one of the highest numbers of films annually in the world, while Afrobeats artists are topping global music charts. The fashion industry is also making waves on international runways, and Nigerian visual artists are commanding high prices at global auctions.
Analysts believe that with proper structures, investment, and stronger intellectual property enforcement, the creative sector could contribute significantly more to Nigeria’s GDP. Already, the sector employs millions of young people across film, music, comedy, design, fashion, and digital content creation.
By positioning the industry as open for investment, the Federal Government hopes to attract new partnerships, create jobs, and increase Nigeria’s soft power globally. Stakeholders say that with the right support, the creative economy could rival oil and gas as a major source of revenue for Nigeria.
