*Nigeria and the United Kingdom officially launch a Creative Industries Technical Working Group under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership, in London, to deepen bilateral ties and create a robust framework for growth within the creative sectors of both countries

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

In a major stride towards advancing innovation and collaboration, Nigeria and the United Kingdom (UK) have officially launched a Creative Industries Technical Working Group under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), in London, UK.

The Creatives Working Group, signed February 2024, in Nigeria, marked a significant milestone in strengthening the collaboration between the countries’ creative sectors.

The partnership aims to deepen bilateral ties and create a robust framework for growth within the creative sectors of both countries.

绿帽献妻 reports the creative economy, also known as the orange economy, is an evolving concept based on the contribution and potential of creative assets to contribute to economic growth and development.

Ndidiamaka Eze, Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer/ Communications Lead, Prosperity and Economic Development, at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office/British Deputy High Commission, Lagos, in a statement Tuesday, March 11, 2025, noted the launch of this Working Group and a match-making event for UK-Nigeria creatives industries leaders, in London, “represents a milestone in the UK-Nigeria relationship, designed to boost innovation, cross-border

creative collaborations, and drive sustainable economic growth and development.”

The statement said both events provided a dynamic platform to explore new opportunities and form commercial alliances within key creative subsectors of the economy, such as Film and TV, Music, Fashion and Design, Architecture, Advertising, and Gaming.

It is also noted by prioritising collaboration and cultural exchange, the current initiative is poised to foster long-term growth, enhance job creation, and unlock new pathways for creativity and innovation in Nigeria and the UK.

The transformative power of creativity, by Eshalomi MP, UK鈥檚 Trade Envoy to Nigeria

A Terms of Reference and joint workplan for 2025 were also agreed upon to guide the Group鈥檚 focus and efforts in this regard.

Speaking on the significance of the launch, Florence Eshalomi MP, UK鈥檚 Trade Envoy to Nigeria and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group, remarked: 鈥淭oday 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.”

Eshalomi stated: “This initiative, rooted in our landmark Enhanced Trade & Investment Partnerships (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 in Nigeria.”

Nigeria鈥檚 creative economy a global force: Obi Asika

Emphasising the need for deeper creative and cultural ties, Mr. 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, said: 鈥淣igeria鈥檚 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.”

Asika stated: “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.鈥�

Representing Mr. Obi Asika from the Nigerian side, Prince Baba Agba, Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Creativity, underscored the importance of leveraging UK expertise for impactful collaborations.

He said: “The UK鈥檚 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鈥檛 just about discussions 鈥� it鈥檚 about taking concrete actions that will yield tangible outcomes for creators, businesses, and industry stakeholders on both sides.鈥�

Also speaking on behalf of the music industry, Adedayo Ayoade, Product Lead at Gbedu Labs, averred: 鈥淭he future of Nigeria鈥檚 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.鈥�

The statement added the launch of the Working Group and match-making event, which took the form of a series of in person dialogues attended by officials from the UK and Nigerian governments as well as creatives, served as an “institutional framework for deliberations and actions”.

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