The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy (FMACTCE) has reaffirmed its strategic cultural alliance with the British Council, setting the stage for a dynamic year of collaboration aimed at growing Nigeria’s creative economy and global cultural footprint.

During a high-level visit to the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, the British Council’s Country Director in Nigeria, Donna McGowan, led a delegation to meet with the Honourable Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa. The dialogue was focused on scaling up joint efforts in cultural diplomacy, youth development, and sector-wide growth.

“The creative sector is not only the heartbeat of our cultural identity, it is one of our strongest economic assets,” said Minister Musawa. “We are proud to work closely with partners who understand the urgency and the potential of this moment, and who are committed to helping us unlock it fully.”

Key Initiatives Set for 2025 Rollout

During the meeting, Kesiena Harry, Head of Arts & Culture at the British Council Nigeria, announced a series of high-impact initiatives designed to nurture Nigerian creatives and connect them to international platforms.

Among the flagship projects:

Film Lab Africa – Story Lab Edition

This accelerator-to-showcase programme will support upcoming filmmakers through training, mentorship, and funding. New features for 2025 include:

A writers’ residency

Development support for episodic content

Grants for producing TV pilots

These additions aim to deepen engagement between Nigeria’s film sector and the UK.

Creative Economy Week Nigeria 2025

Scheduled for September 11–21, this national event will feature:

Exhibitions

Talent showcases

Industry dialogues

Multi-city activations in Abuja (Sept 11–13), Lagos (Sept 15–21), Port Harcourt, Kano, and an international leg in London in October.

The Week is designed to foster inclusive development, boost market access for creatives, and drive intersectoral collaboration between culture, education, and technology.

“Nigeria is full of brilliance and imagination, and we are honoured to be part of the story unfolding here,” said Donna McGowan. “We are committed to working with the Ministry and local stakeholders to co-create inclusive platforms that resonate locally and globally.”

Policy, Data, and Strategy in Focus

Jemma Amachree-Broad, the Minister’s Special Adviser and Head of Strategy, emphasized the importance of data in crafting policies and programmes that are responsive and impactful.

“The sector is moving fast, and we must move with it,” Amachree-Broad stated. “Our aim is to design with precision, grounded in real data and real stories. This is how we ensure long-term relevance.”

A collaborative agreement between the Ministry and British Council is currently under review, with both parties expressing a commitment to aligning on shared goals and building structures that will uplift young cultural entrepreneurs and innovators.

Cultural Diplomacy for Global Visibility

The Honourable Minister reiterated the government’s aim to position the creative industry as a major contributor to Nigeria’s economic transformation under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes job creation and sustainable development.

“Our work is not just about programmes and policies,” Musawa added. “It’s about building a creative ecosystem where our young people feel seen, supported, and empowered to lead. Together with partners like the British Council, we can make that vision a reality.”

As Nigeria and the UK continue to forge deeper connections through culture, the momentum signals renewed optimism for artists, storytellers, and innovators across Nigeria’s creative landscape