Chidinma Iroegbu
The United Kingdom and Nigeria are seeking to remove trade barriers, improve access to finance and strengthen intellectual property protection to help creative businesses expand into international markets.
The commitment follows a series of meetings in Lagos involving 17 British creative professionals and Nigerian industry representatives, as both countries explore ways to increase investment and commercial opportunities in the sector.
The delegation, drawn from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, engaged Nigerian counterparts across film, television, music, fashion, literature, theatre, design and visual arts, with activities linked to AFRIFF, CANEX Weekend, Lagos Fringe and Art X Lagos.
Discussions examined challenges affecting creative businesses, including inadequate funding, rights management, production capacity, professional skills and limited access to international distribution networks.
British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, said Nigeria’s creative sector had the talent and business potential to attract stronger international partnerships, adding that cooperation must produce practical benefits for businesses in both countries.
The engagements also advanced the Creative Industries Technical Working Group under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership, launched in March 2025 to identify business opportunities and address regulatory and non-tariff barriers.
British Council Country Director in Nigeria, Donna McGowan, said international cultural exchanges could strengthen professional relationships, improve skills and connect creative practitioners to wider networks, stressing the importance of building partnerships that deliver lasting results.
The collaboration is also expected to support preparations for the UK-Nigeria Season of Culture in 2028, with opportunities for joint productions, publishing agreements, fashion projects, international tours and other creative ventures.
Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Obi Asika, said Nigeria had substantial creative talent and intellectual property that remained commercially underutilised, arguing that the partnership should produce projects and businesses that continue beyond 2028.
UK delegate and Founder of the Black British Book Festival, Selina Brown, described her Lagos experience as inspiring and called for equal exchange between both countries, noting that their creative industries had valuable ideas and expertise to share.