Valentine Okafor
Nigeria and the UK have launched the Creative Industries Technical Working Group, a pivotal initiative within the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP).
This move aims to deepen bilateral ties and establish a robust framework for growth in both nations’ creative sectors.
The launch, alongside a match-making event for UK and Nigerian creative industry leaders in London, marks a milestone in strengthening UK-Nigeria relations.
These events provided a dynamic platform to explore opportunities and forge commercial alliances within key creative subsectors, including Film and TV, music, fashion & design, architecture, advertising and gaming.
By prioritising collaboration and cultural exchange, the initiative seeks to foster long-term growth, enhance job creation, and unlock new pathways for creativity and innovation. A terms of reference and joint work plan for 2025 were also established to guide the working group’s focus and efforts.
The UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria and co-chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group, Florence Eshalomi MP highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating:
“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.
“This initiative, rooted in our landmark Enhanced Trade & Investment Partnership (ETIP), will drive stronger trade ties, foster deeper collaboration and unlock the full potential of our creative industries. 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.”
Emphasising the need for deeper creative and cultural ties, director-general of the National Council for Arts and Culture and co-chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group in Nigeria, Obi Asika stated:
“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.”
Representing Asika, special assistant to the President on creativity, Prince Baba Agba underscored the importance of leveraging UK expertise for impactful collaborations:
“The UK’s creative industries stand as a global benchmark for institutional excellence, market distribution, and innovation. We are eager to tap into this 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.”
Speaking on behalf of the music industry, product lead at Gbedu Labs, s Adedayo Ayoade stressed the importance of innovation and collaboration:
“The future of Nigeria’s music industry lies in live experiences, innovation and global partnerships. The launch of the Creative Industries Technical Working Group under the ETIP framework represents a crucial step toward bridging cultures and amplifying the voices of the next generation.”
The working group launch and match-making event, structured as a series of in-person dialogues, brought together officials from both governments and creative industry stakeholders. This institutional framework will facilitate deliberations and concrete actions to drive growth and sustainability in the creative sectors of both countries.