Nigeria and the UK Unveil Partnership for Cultural and Creative Economy through Season of Culture 2028

The Nigerian and UK governments have officially announced a significant partnership focusing on the cultural and creative economy, highlighted by the upcoming UK–Nigeria Season of Culture 2028. This new initiative represents a pivotal move in strengthening bilateral ties and creating global prospects for creatives from both countries.

This partnership was advanced during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's official visit, showcasing a mutual desire to enhance the creative industries as a significant force for economic development, employment generation, and international cultural dialogue. Central to this collaboration is the UK–Nigeria Season of Culture 2028, which aims to exhibit the diverse cultural expressions from both nations across sectors like music, film, fashion, art, and education. This initiative will also establish enduring institutional partnerships and broaden access to international markets, beginning with two years of cooperative planning that will lead to a series of coordinated events, exchanges, and business opportunities in both nations.

Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, articulated:

"This partnership underscores our strategic goal to place Nigeria’s creative and cultural sectors at the forefront of economic growth aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Through these efforts, we aim to build institutional frameworks, establish global connections, and create commercial avenues to empower our creatives, attract investment, and amplify Nigeria’s cultural presence on the global stage. We are not merely celebrating our culture; we are monetizing it, scaling it, and releasing its full economic potential for Nigeria and our global partners."

The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) has been appointed as the implementing agency in Nigeria, closely collaborating with the British Council, which has been designated as the UK’s main partner for the Season of Culture.

Obi Asika, Director-General of NCAC and Co-Chair of the UK–Nigeria Creative Economy Working Group, emphasized:

"This initiative aligns with our mission to cultivate a competitive Nigerian creative economy by linking talent with markets, culture with commerce, and creativity with enterprise. As the Ministry’s operational agency, NCAC is committed to translating this partnership into tangible opportunities for creators and entrepreneurs. Collaborating with the British Council and key private sector leaders in the UK, we are eager to transition from the planning phase to active implementation, creating a significant impact both locally and internationally."

Donna McGowan, Country Director for British Council Nigeria, stated:

"Seasons are a tested strategy to foster growth through the creative sector and promote long-lasting, mutually beneficial collaboration. The British Council is honored to partner with the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy on this unprecedented collaboration. The Season of Culture will enhance creative and educational partnerships, nurture talent development, and open new avenues for cooperation, innovation, and growth. This collaboration epitomizes our commitment to fostering meaningful cultural exchanges that yield sustainable economic and social benefits in both nations."

UK Arts Minister Ian Murray noted:

"Culture can bring people together effectively. Collaborative efforts open avenues for new creative explorations and foster opportunities to advance our creative sectors. With the UK housing the largest Nigerian diaspora in Europe, we are strategically positioned to harness these prospects. Many of our most talented individuals share a heritage from Nigeria and Britain, and I anticipate that these cultural connections will strengthen through the collaborative Season of Culture in 2028."

Moreover, Florence Eshalomi, MP and UK Trade Envoy to Nigeria and Co-Chair of the UK–Nigeria Creative Economy Working Group, expressed:

"As a proud British Nigerian, I have witnessed the distinctiveness of our cultures, creativity, and robust people-to-people connections. This partnership holds the potential to offer substantial advantages to our creative sectors by unlocking investments, fostering talent, and enhancing job opportunities for numerous individuals."

In summary, this partnership is positioned as a strategic initiative aligning with Nigeria’s broader economic framework, promoting diversification through sectors recognized for rapid growth. The creative economy is increasingly acknowledged as a vital contributor to the GDP, employment, and international clout. Given Nigeria's significant cultural impact across various domains such as music, film, and fashion, the partnership is anticipated to unlock new investment opportunities, co-production projects, and global distribution channels.