Sopuruchi Onwuka

The United Kingdom and Nigeria have officially launched the Creative Industries Technical Working Group to promote Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) between businesses in the two countries.

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According to a statement from the UK High Commission in Nigeria, the partnership, which is a major stride toward fostering innovation and collaboration, aims to deepen bilateral ties and create a robust framework for growth within the creative sectors of both nations.

Both countries also evolved the Terms of Reference and joint work plan for 2025 to guide the Group’s focus and efforts.

From left: Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Creativity, (representing Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Obi Asika) Prince Baba Agba; UK Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Florence Eshalomi MP; and the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery; at a reception following the official launch of the UK and Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) Creative Industries Technical Working Group In London, last night in London.

Launch of the Working group and an associated match-making event for UK-Nigeria creative industries leaders in London represent a milestone in the UK-Nigeria relationship, designed to boost innovation, cross-border creative collaborations, and drive sustainable economic growth and development.

Both events provided a dynamic platform to explore new opportunities and form commercial alliances within key creative subsectors such as Film and TV, Music, Fashion & Design.

By prioritising collaboration and cultural exchange, the initiative is also poised to foster long-term growth, enhance job creation, and unlock new pathways for creativity and innovation in both countries.

Member of Parliament, Florence Eshalomi, who is the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group, remarked that the launch of the group reinforces the rich cultural bond and a deep belief in the transformative power of creativity, through music, film,  fashion, and arts.

“This initiative, rooted in our landmark Enhanced Trade & Investment Partnerships (ETIP), will drive stronger trade ties, foster deeper collaboration, and unlock the full potential of our creative industries. By enhancing market access and investing in skills, we are opening doors to new opportunities that will create jobs and boost economic growth in the UK and in Nigeria.”

Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group in Nigeria, Mr. Obi Asika, emphasised the need for deeper creative and cultural ties, saying: “Nigeria’s creative economy is a global force, driven by our storytellers, musicians, designers, and digital innovators. From Nollywood to Afrobeats, fashion to gaming, our industries are reshaping global culture and commerce. However, to unlock the full potential of this sector, we need strategic investment and support not just in talent, but in the institutions and infrastructure that will sustain long-term growth.”

Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Creativity, Prince Baba Agba, who represented Mr. Obi Asika at the event, underscored the importance of leveraging UK expertise for impactful collaborations.

“The UK’s creative industries stand as a global benchmark for institutional excellence, market distribution, and innovation. We are eager to tap into your expertise for meaningful partnerships. This Working  Group isn’t just about discussions – it’s about taking concrete actions that will yield tangible outcomes for creators, businesses, and industry stakeholders on both sides,” he stated.

Also speaking on behalf of the music industry, Product Lead at Gbedu Labs, Adedayo Ayoade, said: “The future of Nigeria’s music industry lies in live experiences, innovation, and global collaborations. The launch of the Creative Industries Technical Working Group, under the ETIP framework, represents a significant first step towards bridging cultures and amplifying the voices of the next generation.”

The launch of the Working Group and match-making event which took the form of a series of in person dialogues attended by officials from the UK and Nigerian governments as well as creatives and served as an institutional framework for deliberations and actions.