Stakeholders in Nigeria’s creative industry have called on the federal government to provide greater support and create an enabling environment for the entertainment sector. They emphasized that the industry has the potential to significantly reduce youth unemployment, combat insecurity, and generate substantial revenue for the nation.
The call was made during the 50th birthday celebration and colloquium of Solomon Nda-Isaiah, the Director of Press at LEADERSHIP Newspaper, held in Abuja. The event, themed “Harnessing Entertainment and Creativity to Boost National GDP and Combat Crime and Insecurity,” highlighted the industry’s role in Nigeria’s economic and social development.
Nnamdi Dickson Iroegbu, a multi-award-winning filmmaker, noted that the Nigerian entertainment and creative industry not only contributes to the country’s economic growth but also enhances Nigeria’s global image. He urged the National Security Adviser (NSA) to establish a creative desk within his office to increase job opportunities and steer youths away from crime.
“With Nollywood and our music industry leading on the global stage, creating an enabling environment will attract investors and allow creative talents to generate significant foreign exchange,” Iroegbu stated. He added that Nigeria’s large population, often seen as a burden, could be leveraged as a market to yield substantial returns on investment in the creative sector, similar to the successes seen in China and India.
Leo Benjamin Ebube, second vice-president of the Creative Industry Professional Association, asserted that the entertainment industry has brought more benefits to Nigeria than the oil sector. He pointed out that while the entertainment industry has helped reduce unemployment, the government’s support remains insufficient.
“The entertainment industry is giving Nigeria more value than oil. While oil has brought challenges, the creative sector is elevating Nigeria’s global profile,” Ebube said.
Celebrant Solomon Nda-Isaiah appealed to the federal government to harness the vast potential of the entertainment industry to boost the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and address security challenges. He expressed concern over the impact of insecurity on food security and the broader economy.
“We need to focus on the creative industry and modernize our sports sector. With a population of strong and vibrant youth, we can enhance our GDP, curtail insecurity, and elevate Nigeria and Africa on the world stage,” Nda-Isaiah emphasized. He urged the government to create an environment where talents can thrive, particularly as the world becomes increasingly digital and technical. He concluded that the creative industry is key to curbing youth excesses and promoting well-being in Nigeria.
