Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy Signs MoU with British Council to Strengthen Nigeria’s Creative Industry

The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy (FMACTCE), led by Honourable Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq., has formalized a partnership with the British Council through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on February 26, 2025, in Lagos. This agreement is designed to elevate Nigeria’s creative and cultural sectors by fostering international collaboration, enhancing capacity development, and opening new opportunities for creative professionals through partnership-driven initiatives.

 

The three-year agreement, with provisions for review and renewal, will be overseen by a Joint Working Committee (JWC), ensuring the smooth implementation of programs and the fulfillment of key objectives.

 

Core Areas of the MoU:

 

1. Capacity Development and Training

The agreement will provide structured training programs, mentorship opportunities, and skills development initiatives tailored to equip Nigerian creatives with the knowledge and expertise to compete in the global market. Through the British Council’s extensive network and experience, the Ministry will facilitate workshops, residencies, and professional exchanges that align with best practices in the creative sector.

 

 

2. Cultural Exchange and International Collaboration

The partnership will foster a stronger exchange of ideas, talent, and creative works between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. This will not only showcase Nigeria’s artistic excellence on an international stage but also create lasting connections that enrich both nations’ cultural landscapes.

 

 

3. Screen Nigeria @ Cannes & Filmlab Shorts Screening

As part of the MoU, the Ministry and the British Council have agreed to collaborate on Screen Nigeria @ Cannes, a dedicated platform at the Cannes Film Festival that will spotlight Nigerian cinema on the global stage. This initiative aims to increase international visibility for Nigerian filmmakers, attract investment, and strengthen Nigeria’s presence in the global film industry.

 

Additionally, the British Council and the Ministry will jointly screen short films produced under the British Council Filmlab projects, providing emerging Nigerian filmmakers with international exposure and networking opportunities. These screenings will serve as a launchpad for young talent, bridging the gap between Nigeria’s vibrant film industry and the global market.

 

 

4. Policy Development and Institutional Support

Recognizing the need for a strong regulatory and policy framework, the MoU includes a commitment to supporting policies that protect and promote the interests of the creative community. This includes intellectual property rights advocacy, funding initiatives, and institutional backing for creative businesses.

 

 

5. Research and Data-Driven Growth

A comprehensive mapping of Nigeria’s creative industry will be conducted to identify challenges, untapped opportunities, and areas requiring intervention. By using data-driven insights, the Ministry and the British Council aim to create sustainable models that encourage long-term growth and investment in the sector.

Honourable Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa described the agreement as a step towards a more structured and internationally competitive creative economy. "Nigeria's creative industry holds immense potential, and this partnership provides a framework for harnessing that potential in ways that are both sustainable and globally relevant. Our goal is to create a thriving ecosystem where artists and cultural professionals can flourish, contribute to the economy, and shape Nigeria’s cultural narrative on the world stage."

 

Country Director of the British Council, Lucy Pearson, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to working with the Ministry to strengthen Nigeria’s creative sector. "Nigeria has one of the most vibrant creative industries in the world. Through this MoU, we aim to build bridges between creative communities, provide platforms for talent development, and ensure that Nigeria’s artistic contributions are recognized and celebrated globally."

 

The agreement will be implemented through the Joint Working Committee (JWC), which will oversee the execution of programs, monitor progress, and ensure that the objectives of the partnership are met effectively.

 

This development follows the recent unification of the Federal Ministry of Tourism with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, bringing together key sectors to drive cultural and economic growth. Under Honourable Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa’s leadership, this new structure reflects a clear vision for advancing Nigeria’s rich artistic heritage and positioning it as a global creative powerhouse.

 

The MoU marks a turning point in Nigeria’s cultural and creative landscape, laying the groundwork for greater investment, international recognition, and sustainable growth in the years to come.