Nigeria and the United Kingdom have forged new pathways aimed at tapping into the growing global creative economy.
The UK, through the British Council, will help Nigeria build stronger systems, infrastructure and professional capability to unlock opportunities in the sector.
The collaboration will support the development of creative systems and partnerships by focusing on artistic collaboration, creative infrastructure, institutional capacity, skills development and exchange.
This is an offshoot of the two-day state visit to the UK by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday and Thursday. The President returned to Nigeria on Friday.
The deal with the UK concerning the creative industry aims to deliver practical, long-term value through stronger partnerships and technical cooperation.
The sector is recognised as a key engine for job creation and foreign exchange earnings, with explicit targets to increase the value of creative industries and strengthen infrastructure, digital integration, and international market access.
In the UK, the creative industries are recognised as one of the country’s highest-growth sectors, supported through government funding, investment incentives, and industrial strategy to boost innovation, skills development, export growth, and international partnerships.
Already, the Nigerian government has articulated a comprehensive vision to grow its creative economy through initiatives such as the Nigeria Destination 2030 creative economy framework, skills development priorities, strategic policy reforms, and fostering public–private partnerships aimed at scaling creative business outputs and increasing global competitiveness.
Through one of the partnerships between both nations, the UK/Nigeria Bilateral Season, there would be a focus on strengthening creative systems and production infrastructure, including the adoption of emerging technology; supporting skills development and leadership across arts, culture and education sectors; improving access to UK and international markets through structured mobility pathways and industry engagement, and enabling UK and Nigerian creative institutions to form lasting partnerships that continue beyond the Season.
Activities will take place across both countries in 2028, following two years of partner engagement involving visiting delegations and programme incubation, unlocking resources in both countries to catalyse greater cultural collaboration.
The other arm of the collaboration is the launch of the British Council SCALE UK-NG Creatives Entrepreneurs Award Programme (2027/28)
The British Council and the Department for Business and Trade will partner on the new SCALE (Supporting Creative Acceleration, Leadership & Exports) Programme.
SCALE will enhance international connections and export readiness, supporting both the Nigerian and UK creative economy growth and trade.
The Award and associated fast-track training programme will draw on a decade of learning gained from the delivery of the British Council Young Creative Entrepreneurs Programme and from DBT’s sector expertise and network of investors.
“Culture has an amazing power to bring people together. When we work together, we open our eyes to new creative possibilities and build opportunities to grow our creative sectors.
“With the UK being home to the largest Nigerian diaspora in Europe, we’re perfectly placed to make the most of these opportunities.
“So many of our brightest stars have shared heritage across Nigeria and Britain, and I look forward to these cultural bonds only growing stronger through the joint Season of Culture in 2028, the UK’s Arts Minister, Ian Murray, said.
Also commenting, the Country Director for British Council Nigeria, Donna McGowan, said, “The UK/ NG Season will involve a range of innovative initiatives to be designed by diverse UK and Nigeria creative organisations, with activity taking place in both countries.
“SCALE is a transformative initiative that aims to empower the next generation of Nigerian creatives.
“By fostering innovation and providing vital resources, we are not only investing in individual talents but also strengthening the cultural and economic ties between the UK and Nigeria.”