By Olayinka Akanbi
Nigeria’s creative scene truly came alive lsst quarter with a celebration that was both ambitious and essential.
Creative Economy Week 2025, organised by the British Council in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, boldly proclaimed that the creative sector is vital to our national development.
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From September 11 to 21, 2025, cities like Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Enugu, and Port Harcourt became hubs for artists, policy makers, investors, and cultural leaders, all coming together to envision a future shaped by creativity.
This week was a vibrant mix of showcases and meaningful discussions, leaving the sector with valuable insights, clear direction, and a fresh sense of hope.
The opening days buzzed with a mix of urgency and optimism. In Lagos, masterclasses and investor clinics attracted hundreds of eager young creatives who connected with mentors and industry leaders on topics like storytelling, fashion innovation, music production, and digital design.
Meanwhile, in Abuja, policy dialogues gathered government officials, economists, and cultural advocates to explore how Nigeria could tap into its vast creative potential.
These sessions were far from just formalities; they served as crucial opportunities to close the gap between government frameworks and the realities faced by creative practitioners, ensuring that strategies were rooted in the experiences of those actively working in the field.
One of the standout moments of the week was the unveiling of the Creative Economy Data Mapping Report by the Ministry, which serves as a vital baseline for the sector.
This report shed light on the vast landscape of Nigeria’s creative economy, showcasing opportunities in areas like film, fashion, music, design, and digital content, while also pinpointing some tough challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to financing, and weak intellectual property protections.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, referred to the report as “the foundation to deliver on our bold commitment of creating two million creative economy jobs by 2030 under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
His remarks highlighted the government’s ambition to connect creativity with job creation, transforming the arts from mere cultural activities into powerful engines of growth.
But beyond the numbers, Creative Economy Week was truly about the people.
It celebrated Nigeria’s vibrant diversity of voices, from emerging designers in Kano who were crafting futuristic garments from traditional fabrics to filmmakers in Enugu who were pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
Harry Kesiena, Head of Arts at the British Council Nigeria, perfectly captured the essence of the event in Enugu when he said, “For us at the British Council, the Creative Economy Week Nigeria is a platform created to spotlight Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries, share opportunities, and present the United Kingdom’s expertise in the Nigerian creative sector while giving young creatives a platform to grow.”
His words reflected a conscious effort to include regional hubs that often get overlooked in favour of Lagos and Abuja, ensuring that the creative energy from all corners of the country was acknowledged.
The conversations were truly engaging. Panels discussing intellectual property rights laid bare the frustrations of creators whose work often gets taken advantage of without fair compensation.
Meanwhile, workshops focused on financing highlighted the challenges of securing funds for creative ventures.
Investors and bankers offered insights on crafting financial tools tailored for creative businesses, while practitioners stressed that real change starts with better infrastructure—think reliable power, rehearsal spaces, production studios, and solid internet connectivity.
Donna McGowan, the Country Director of the British Council Nigeria, reminded everyone that “the creative economy is not just about the arts; it’s about driving sustainable growth, creating opportunities, and building futures through creativity.”
Her words underscored the wider social and economic impacts of the sector, touching on everything from education to youth empowerment and international trade.
Over the course of ten days, the excitement spilled beyond the conference rooms. Pop-up exhibitions in Lagos allowed artisans to display their jewellery, textiles, and digital art to eager buyers and curators.
In Port Harcourt, music and spoken word performances filled community spaces, drawing in young audiences who were excited to see their own stories reflected on stage.
The events were designed to be interactive, reminding everyone that creativity flourishes best when communities come together.
This spirit of inclusion reached a high point with the announcement that Creative Economy Week would continue in London this October, creating a link between Nigeria’s creatives and global markets while also engaging the diaspora’s networks.
By the end of Creative Economy Week 2025, it had accomplished so much more than just getting noticed.
It set a powerful tone of accountability and ambition. The launch of the Data Mapping Report provided policymakers and investors with a solid tool to utilise.
The engaging dialogues and masterclasses fostered new networks of collaboration. Meanwhile, the performances, exhibitions, and showcases served as a vibrant reminder of the incredible talent that Nigeria has to offer.
However, the week also brought to light the ongoing challenges in the sector. Many young creatives still struggle to secure funding, infrastructure gaps are hindering growth, and while promises were made, the real test will be turning those commitments into tangible results that truly enhance livelihoods.
Nevertheless, CEW 2025 will be remembered for transforming the conversation from mere potential to real action.
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As the final sessions came to a close, it became evident that Creative Economy Week 2025 represented a pivotal moment where data, dialogue, and creativity came together, paving the way for Nigeria’s creative sector to step into the spotlight of development.
