By Olayinka Akanbi
Nigeria is making bold strides in transforming its creative industries, recognising their potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage on the global stage.
In Q3 2024, the federal government unveiled an ambitious plan to transform its creative economy by increasing the sector’s revenue from a meagre $5 billion to $100 billion annually through a plan that focuses on several critical areas, including skills development and policy frameworks.
The government had said it hopes to achieve this through 14 key initiatives grouped into four main pillars: technology, infrastructure, international promotion, and intellectual property.
Nigeria has always been a cultural powerhouse. From Afrobeats topping global charts to Nollywood dominating African cinema—creativity runs deep in its DNA. Now, the government and key industry stakeholders are taking things to the next level with major investments, international partnerships, and game-changing policies.
“Nigeria’s creative sector is a goldmine, and we are unlocking its full potential.”
Let’s take a look at some of the biggest steps the federal government has taken recently to support its creative space:
Creative Industry Targets $25 Billion in Revenue with National Theatre Revamp
Although the project started in 2021, the extensive renovation of the National Theatre was completed in August 2024. With a 4,000-seater main bowl, over 3,000-seater banquet hall, two exhibition halls, three cinemas, VIP spaces, actors’ changing rooms, an industrial kitchen, over 300 new toilet cubicles, a clinic, a fire station, lobbies at all four entrances, and comprehensive roof repairs, the edifice holds high hopes that its completion could potentially generate a quarter of the annual $100 billion target.
Central Bank Governor, Yemi Cardoso, during a recent tour of the edifice in March, stated that elevating the National Arts Theatre to world-class standards could act as a catalyst for realising the $25 billion potential of Nigeria’s creative sector.
For many years, Nigeria’s iconic National Theatre in Lagos has represented the country’s rich artistic heritage. However, over time, it fell into disrepair and desperately needed serious restoration. Fortunately, a massive renovation project worth billions of naira has now breathed new life into this historic venue, transforming it into a world-class hub for the arts.
UNESCO Partnership for Digital Transformation
Nigeria is really stepping up its game by embracing digital technology to boost its creative industries. In collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Federal Ministry of Arts, Tourism and Creative Economy of Nigeria has kicked off a digital transformation initiative designed to equip creative professionals with the essential skills and tools they need to thrive in today’s digital economy.
The initiative, announced in February, is all about training young creatives in areas like digital content production, copyright management, and online distribution, making sure that Nigerian artists can hold their own on the global stage. With the surge of streaming services, digital exhibitions, and e-commerce for fashion and art, this partnership is truly a game-changer for creatives eager to broaden their horizons beyond the shores of Nigeria.
The first phase of training programmes kicks off in April 2025, starting in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, before expanding nationwide.
A Power Move with the British Council
To boost international collaboration, the Federal Ministry of Arts, Tourism and Creative Economy, on 26 February 2025, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the British Council. This agreement is all about building capacity, enhancing education, and creating exchange programmes that link Nigerian creatives with their contemporaries in the United Kingdom.
The MoU is designed to offer training opportunities, financial support, and cross-cultural partnerships, giving Nigerian artists, filmmakers, writers, and designers a chance to shine on the international stage. Additionally, this partnership aims to promote the export of Nigerian creative content, making sure that the country’s rich cultural expressions get the recognition they deserve in the global market.
Imagine more Nigerian designers at London Fashion Week, more filmmakers premiering at international festivals, and more authors breaking into the global literary scene. It is all part of the plan as the first set of exchange programmes and grants under this agreement are expected to launch by September 2025.
FMACTCE Pushes for a National Cultural Policy Review
Nigeria’s creative sector is getting serious policy backing, and a major part of that is the National Cultural Policy Review. The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, on 20 March 2025, in collaboration with UNESCO and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), announced a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s cultural policy.
This is a big deal. The last time Nigeria’s cultural policy was reviewed was in 1988, and a lot has changed since then. This review will help reshape laws to protect intellectual property, support creative entrepreneurs, and enhance Nigeria’s global cultural influence.
A draft of the new policy is expected to be presented by Q3 2025, followed by nationwide stakeholder engagements before its final adoption.
