Onyekachi Eze 
Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has described Nigeria’s creative industry as a “goldmine” and a “fast-growing” sector.
Alhaji Mohammed at a forum organised by the IHK Giessen-Friedberg Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Germany on Thursday, said that the country’s creative industry is contributing immensely to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“The creative sector serves as a powerful engine for economic growth, contributing substantially to Nigeria’s GDP through the production and distribution of creative goods and services,” he stated.
The former minister who is the Managing Partner of Bruit Costaud, a policy advisory firm, noted that research from Jobberman, said the creative sector is Nigeria’s second-largest employer of labour with the potential to create an additional 2.7 million jobs by 2025.
According to him, the sector’s expansive value chain, which encompasses production, distribution, and marketing, supports diverse employment opportunities, adding that it spans 24 diverse segments, including fashion, music, film, literature, visual arts, among others.
He highlighted the increasing prevalence of global collaborations and cross-cultural influences, which have expanded the global footprint of Nigerian content.
“International collaborations in music, film productions, and fashion events have elevated the industry’s global standing,” he noted.
The former minister was quoted as stating that “The rise of online platforms, streaming services, and digital distribution channels has democratised content creation and distribution, making Nollywood films, music, fashion shows, and art exhibitions accessible to a global audience.”
He cited state-of-the-art film studios, cutting-edge recording facilities, and digital art spaces as key developments that have enhanced production quality and fostered innovation, pointing out that Nigeria’s youthful demography, with about 70 per cent of the population is a driving force behind the industry’s growth.
“The youth’s engagement with and consumption of creative content continue to drive the industry’s growth,” Mohammed said.
The former minister stated that the film “The Tribe Called Judah,” released in 2023, grossed over N1 billion in less than three months.
Mohammed attributed this success to supportive government policies and reforms, including grants, tax incentives, and the establishment of creative hubs that encourage entrepreneurship and investment.
“The Nigerian fashion industry is ripe for investment in design, manufacturing, retail, and global export, especially with the growing international focus on African fashion,” he asserted.
A statement from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, said the forum was tagged, “Giessen Meets The World”
