Nigeria’s Creative Industry: The Untapped Goldmine Set to Create Millions of Jobs and Revolutionize the Economy

Nigeria stands at a critical juncture, with the call for economic diversification growing louder each day. The Nigerian Government has been urged to explore the untapped potentials within the creative industry as a sustainable solution to the nation’s challenges, moving beyond its over-reliance on oil.

Bolaji Amusan, the Global President of the Theater Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners of Nigeria (TAMPAN), recently emphasized the economic power of the creative sector during a press conference in Abeokuta. This event heralded the upcoming national conference ‘EKO 2025,’ themed ‘Maximizing the Potentials of Arts and Creativity.’

Amusan highlighted the staggering impact of the creative industry on Nigeria’s economy, noting that it currently employs about 4.2 million Nigerians and contributed approximately N154 billion to the nation’s GDP in 2023. With strategic investments, the sector has the potential to create an additional 2.7 million jobs over the next four to five years. This projection underscores the industry’s capacity to drive significant economic transformation.

“The creative industries, including film, music, fashion, visual arts, and digital media, contribute significantly to economic diversification. By promoting local talents and creative exports, these industries generate income and create jobs,” Amusan stated.

Amusan pointed to the success of countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and India, where the creative sector thrives due to substantial government support. He noted that these nations prioritize the development of film production infrastructure and provide platforms for free artistic expression, fostering an environment where creativity flourishes.

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In Nigeria, the lack of sufficient infrastructure, such as film villages, remains a significant challenge for the creative community. Amusan called on the government to invest heavily in the development of such facilities, particularly in key states like Ogun and Lagos.

“We currently only have three film villages. When the government invests in film villages and equipment being used to produce films, it will reduce the stress and hardship creative people are facing...” Amusan explained.

Nigeria’s dependence on oil has long been a barrier to the growth of other sectors. Amusan reiterated that this reliance exposes the nation to the volatility of global oil prices, hindering sustainable development. Diversifying the economy through investment in the creative industry could be the game-changer Nigeria needs.

The TAMPAN national conference, scheduled under the theme ‘Maximizing the Potentials of Arts and Creativity,’ aims to explore strategies to harness the power of the creative sector. With the right policies and investment, the creative industry can become one of the cornerstones of Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth.