NESG, FMACEIT, and UNESCO Aim to Unleash the Economic Potential of Nigeria's Cultural and Creative Sectors

ABUJA The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), working alongside the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy (FMACETC) as well as UNESCO, has organized a National Focus Group Forum aimed at exploring Nigeria’s culture sector. This forum seeks to harness the economic potential of Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries.

The gathering assembled policymakers, business executives, innovators, and cultural promoters to discuss approaches for tapping into the significant economic opportunities within Nigeria’s cultural and creative sectors.

The talks centered around policy changes, digital progress, sustainable funding, and collaborative efforts among stakeholders. The main aim was to establish Nigeria’s cultural industry as a key catalyst for economic expansion, employment generation, and international market strength.

During his introductory comments, NESG Board member Mr. Udemy Ufot highlighted that the event offers a crucial platform for sharing sector developments, fostering discussions, and encouraging cooperation amongst all parties involved within the cultural domain.

Ufot stated, "Given Nigeria's cultural sector's ongoing transformation into a substantial economic force, this interaction is crucial for enhancing policies and frameworks that can foster enduring growth."

He highlighted that beyond contributing economically, the cultural sector significantly aids in promoting social cohesion, safeguarding Nigeria’s abundant heritage, and supporting peacebuilding efforts.

He disclosed that the forum seeks to establish methods for safeguarding and advancing Nigeria’s cultural legacy, examine governance improvements via policy and regulatory structures, incorporate cultural sectors into nationwide economic growth, create youth empowerment programs, and utilize technology for transforming these areas.

Several presentations during the event disclosed that worldwide exports of creative services rose from $490 billion in 2010 to almost $1.4 trillion in 2022. This growth underscores the possibility for Nigeria’s creative industry to boost its GDP contribution to $100 billion by 2030 and generate two million additional jobs by 2027.

Dr. Shaibu Husseini, the Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board, highlighted during his input the importance of adopting a fresh perspective and implementing reforms within the public sector to better assist Nigeria’s creative industry.

After moving from the private sector into regulatory work, he recognized administrative challenges like hold-ups in changing the board’s name to more accurately represent its categorization duties. However, he emphasized the significance of adhering to established guidelines and mandates.

He criticised unrealistic stakeholder expectations, such as government funding for memorial events without proper budgetary backing.

He further highlighted internal resistance from civil servants unfamiliar with reform-driven leadership, but noted that progress has been made in reorienting his agency towards efficiency and effectiveness.

Husseini emphasized that the board's responsibility is to strike a balance between regulation and creativity without dictating the artistic direction. Instead, their main task is to guarantee that content is appropriately categorized for audience viewing.

Gbile Holloway, Director-General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), shared insights from his transition from the private to the public sector, emphasising the stark contrast in operational efficiency.

He highlighted how the private sector excels at rapid execution and achieving profit-oriented objectives, whereas the public sector frequently grapples with cumbersome bureaucratic procedures that may bewilder new entrants.

He highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation among government bodies and departments to guarantee a cohesive national approach towards cultural growth.

Even with the difficulties, he recognized the existence of exceptionally talented and committed experts working in the public sector.

At the NCMM, he conveyed his trust in the capable team he encountered and highlighted the significance of executing cultural policies with deliberation and efficiency.

Obi Asika, the Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), emphasized the importance of legal changes, updated infrastructure, and increased cooperation among stakeholders.

He emphasized how NCAC has transformed from being merely a guardian of culture to becoming an active creator of ecosystems, promoting the conversion of NCAC offices into vibrant innovation centers aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and driving digital change.

During his speech, Yinka Iyinolakan, who founded and leads C-Dial as CEO, addressed the digital gap within Nigeria’s creative sector, emphasizing the importance of incorporating local languages into technological advancements.

He mentioned current initiatives aimed at creating voice recognition systems for Nigerian languages including Hausa, Yoruba, Pidgin, and Fulfulde.

Makinde Adeniran, who serves as the President of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), has called for robust self-regulation within Nigeria’s creative industry. This call comes against the backdrop of the current dispute involving the Bankers' Committee and the National Theatre.

He advocated for an updated organizational framework that aligns with international standards, guaranteeing that cultural experts can contribute to the governance of cultural entities.

Mrs. Ugochi Akudo Nwosu from the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy affirmed the government's dedication to utilizing Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy as a catalyst for both economic advancement and increased international standing.

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