By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
The British Council has expressed pride in its involvement in the State Visit of Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the United Kingdom, describing it as a significant opportunity to deepen cultural ties and strengthen collaboration in the creative industries.
The visit marks a major diplomatic milestone aimed at fostering growth in the creative sector, which both nations recognise as a key driver of economic development.
During the visit, both countries announced two major initiatives to advance cultural and creative cooperation. These developments reflect a shared commitment to building long-term partnerships, strengthening institutional capacity, and promoting sustainability within the creative ecosystem.
The announcements signal a shift towards more structured collaboration, with both nations acknowledging the importance of stronger systems, improved infrastructure, and enhanced professional capacity to support Nigeria’s expanding global creative economy.
The partnership is designed to deliver long-term value through technical cooperation and strategic alliances.
The creative economy continues to play a vital role in driving inclusive growth, innovation, employment, and cultural influence. In the UK, the sector remains one of the fastest-growing industries, supported by government investment, policy frameworks, and incentives aimed at boosting innovation, skills development, export growth, and international collaboration across sub-sectors such as film, music, gaming, and design.
Similarly, the government of Nigeria has outlined an ambitious vision to expand its creative economy through initiatives such as the Nigeria Destination 2030 framework. The plan focuses on skills development, policy reforms, and public–private partnerships to scale creative enterprises, enhance global competitiveness, and increase foreign exchange earnings.
A key highlight of the renewed partnership is the proposed UK–Nigeria Bilateral Season, scheduled for 2028. The initiative will support artistic collaboration, strengthen creative infrastructure, and promote institutional capacity building, skills exchange, and market access.
The programme will focus on improving production infrastructure, encouraging the adoption of emerging technologies, enhancing leadership across arts and education sectors, and creating structured pathways for access to international markets. It also aims to foster lasting partnerships between UK and Nigerian creative institutions beyond the duration of the programme.
Planned activities will take place across both countries in 2028, following two years of preparatory engagement, including partner collaborations, exchange visits, and programme development designed to unlock resources and deepen cultural cooperation.
Speaking on the initiative, UK Arts Minister, Ian Murray, emphasised the unifying power of culture.
“Culture has an amazing power to bring people together. When we work together, we open our eyes to new creative possibilities and create opportunities to grow our creative sectors,” he said.
He added that with the UK hosting the largest Nigerian diaspora in Europe, both countries are well positioned to maximise the benefits of the partnership.
“So many of our brightest talents share heritage across Nigeria and Britain, and I look forward to these cultural bonds growing even stronger through the joint Season of Culture in 2028,” Murray stated.
