The United Kingdom (UK) and Nigeria have taken a significant step toward enhancing their creative industries by launching the Creative Industries Technical Working Group under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP). This initiative aims to foster deeper collaboration, boost trade, and drive innovation across both nations’ creative sectors.
A Milestone for UK-Nigeria Creative Collaboration
The Working Group’s launch, alongside a matchmaking event for UK-Nigeria creative industry leaders in London on Tuesday, represents a landmark moment in bilateral relations. These events are designed to strengthen cross-border collaborations, stimulate economic growth, and create new commercial opportunities in key creative subsectors, including:
- Film & TV
- Music
- Fashion & Design
- Architecture
- Advertising
- Gaming
According to a statement from the British High Commission in Nigeria, the initiative aims to enhance job creation and open new pathways for creativity and innovation through cultural exchange and strategic partnerships.
Strategic Roadmap for 2025
A terms of reference and joint work plan for 2025 have been established to guide the group’s focus, ensuring measurable progress and impactful outcomes.
Leaders on the Significance of the Initiative
Florence Eshalomi, UK Trade Envoy to Nigeria and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group, emphasized the initiative’s transformative potential:
“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.
“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 Nigeria.”
Similarly, 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 the strength of Nigeria’s creative economy:
“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 and commerce. 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.”
Tapping into UK Expertise
Baba Agba, Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Creativity, stressed the importance of leveraging the UK’s global standing in the creative sector:
“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.”
Impact on Nigeria’s Music Industry
Adedayo Ayoade, Product Lead at Gbedu Labs, highlighted the initiative’s importance for Nigeria’s music scene:
“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.”
Institutional Framework for Future Growth
The Working Group and matchmaking event featured in-person dialogues attended by officials from the UK and Nigerian governments, along with leading industry creatives. The discussions served as a foundation for strengthening institutional frameworks that will guide future deliberations and actions.
With a shared vision for innovation and collaboration, the UK and Nigeria are poised to unlock new economic and cultural opportunities through this partnership. This initiative not only strengthens diplomatic ties but also cements both nations as key players in the global creative economy.
