How stronger partnerships can drive Nigeria’s creative industry — Expert

Nigeria's burgeoning creative sector requires enhanced institutional collaboration spanning industry, policy, finance, and technology to fully unlock its economic potential, according to Olumide Iyanda, Chief Executive Officer of QEDNG. Speaking at the second QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit in Lagos, Iyanda stressed the need to move beyond discussing systemic challenges and focus on concrete commercial opportunities for sustainable expansion.

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We are bringing creative professionals together with policymakers, financiers, and business leaders.

The summit brought together creative professionals with policymakers, financiers, and business leaders. Iyanda stated, "We are not looking at problems; we are looking at opportunities, growth, and what we can do to make the industry better." The veteran media executive emphasized that the event's focus was on actionable strategies rather than dwelling on existing bottlenecks.

Nigeria's creative economy, a diverse field including film, music, advertising, publishing, theatre, cultural tourism, and digital content, is increasingly recognized as a significant source of employment, entrepreneurship, and international visibility for the nation. Iyanda highlighted that the industry's influence extends beyond its direct economic contributions, significantly shaping Nigeria's global perception.

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We are not looking at problems; we are looking at opportunities, growth, and what we can do to make the industry better.

The summit, themed "Creativity, Culture and Nigeria’s Next Chapter," expanded discussions to include investment, innovation, public policy, and collaboration. This edition built upon the 2025 inaugural summit, which concentrated on the challenges creative businesses face in securing funding and the necessity for tailored financing models. The latest gathering shifted focus towards the broader economic prospects arising from closer ties between creative practitioners, investors, and government entities.

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The creative sector in Nigeria contributes significantly to not just the economy, but how Nigeria is seen and projected globally.