Nigeria and the United Kingdom are strengthening ties in the creative sector, with both countries pledging deeper collaboration to unlock the industry’s vast potential.
Speaking at the ongoing Nigeria Creative Economy Week in Abuja, themed “Building Futures through Creativity,” Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner, described Nigeria’s creative industry as a global force with enormous potential to drive growth, employment, and international recognition.
Montgomery highlighted the creative economy as a strategic priority for the UK, noting that it supports 2.4 million jobs in Britain and could serve as a model for Nigeria’s fast-growing youth-driven industry.
He pointed out that the sector is one of eight priority areas under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), a framework designed to strengthen bilateral economic ties.
“You have already begun to take over parts of the world with some of your creative industries, Nollywood, Afrobeats, and fashion.
“The UK brings expertise and finance, while Nigeria brings innovation and cultural richness. Together, we have an opportunity for mutual benefit”, Montgomery said.
The envoy also commended the role of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK, describing it as a powerful bridge for cultural diplomacy and creative collaboration.
He further applauded the British Council for its decades-long work in promoting cultural exchange and empowering young Nigerians, calling for recognition of its contributions.
Donna McGowan, British Council Country Director, underscored the week-long event as a celebration of creativity’s impact on inclusive growth, international connections, and job creation.
“There’s so much potential for cooperation between the UK and Nigeria, especially with Nigeria’s huge youth population. Policies, enabling frameworks, and skills development will be critical in unlocking this potential,” she said.
Representing Hannatu Musa Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Mukhtar Muhammad, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, described the creative industry as the country’s “new national pride” and “undeniable global passport.”
“The most enduring bonds between nations are often forged in the fires of shared creativity.
“Together with the UK, we are not just a combination, we are a collaboration—a fusion with the potential to set a new global standard for what a creative economy can achieve”, he noted.
With Nigeria’s creative industries already commanding international influence through film, music, fashion, and literature, Mukhtar noted that the partnership with the UK is a catalyst for greater investment, talent development, and policy reforms that could unlock billions of dollars in value.
As Creative Economy Week unfolds, Montgomery expressed optimism that new partnerships and initiatives will emerge to solidify the UK-Nigeria creative alliance.
“Let’s hope some more partnerships come out of the week for the years ahead,” he said.
