Abuja, Nigeria – July 23, 2025 – The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy (FMACTCE) welcomed the Country Director of the British Council in Nigeria, Donna McGowan, and her delegation during a high-level courtesy visit to the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

The meeting reflected a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration between Nigeria and the British Council in the areas of cultural diplomacy, youth empowerment, and creative sector growth. With aligned visions for a thriving creative economy, discussions centred on knowledge sharing, purposeful programming, and enhanced visibility for Nigerian creatives on the global stage.

The Honourable Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa, who received the delegation, expressed appreciation for the British Council’s longstanding support and active engagement in Nigeria’s cultural space. She described the creative industry as a vital expression of Nigeria’s identity and a key pillar in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to create millions of jobs through cultural and creative economy development.

“The creative sector is not only the heartbeat of our cultural identity, it is one of our strongest economic assets,” she said. “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 Unveiled to Foster Creative Growth

During the visit, Kesiena Harry, Head of Arts & Culture at British Council Nigeria, shared details of several upcoming initiatives designed to support the local ecosystem and connect Nigerian creatives to international opportunities in 2025. These include:
• Film Lab Africa – A British Council-led accelerator-to-showcase programme supporting emerging filmmakers through hands-on training, mentorship, funding, and global exposure. The new Story Lab Edition introduces a writers’ residency, supports episodic content development, and provides grants for TV pilot production, deepening industry engagement across Nigeria and the UK.
• Creative Economy Week Nigeria 2025 – A national platform spotlighting Nigeria’s vibrant creative industries and their role in driving economic transformation. Through a blend of exhibitions, industry forums, talent showcases, and policy dialogues, the Week will provide space for both emerging and established creatives to connect, collaborate, and access new markets. It is designed to promote inclusive development, amplify Nigerian stories, and strengthen cross-sectoral ties between culture, education, and innovation.
The event will hold from September 11 to 21, with multi-city activities planned across Abuja (11–13), Lagos (15–21), Port Harcourt, Kano, and a global activation in London later in October.

The British Council also provided updates on a collaborative agreement currently under review, highlighting proposed frameworks for mutual priorities. Both parties acknowledged the need to align on shared goals and build sustainable structures that support young creatives, cultural entrepreneurs, and innovators across Nigeria.

Donna McGowan, Country Director of the British Council, commended the Honourable Minister for her clarity of vision and commitment to meaningful change. She reaffirmed the Council’s dedication to enabling cultural exchange, strengthening institutions, and nurturing creativity at every level.

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

Data and Strategy at the Core of Transformation

Jemma Amachree-Broad, Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister and Head of Strategy, stressed the Ministry’s focus on data-driven decision-making to help shape more responsive and impactful programming. She noted that the Ministry is investing in tools that track sector performance to improve policy outcomes and partnership alignment.

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

Strengthening Cultural Ties and Creating Opportunities

As the meeting concluded, both parties expressed optimism about the evolving relationship between Nigeria and the British Council. There was a strong sense of purpose around the belief that culture, creativity, and innovation are transformative tools for nation-building and global connection.

The Honourable Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to building a creative economy that is inclusive, globally competitive, and rooted in Nigerian stories.

“Our work is not just about programmes and policies,” she said. “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.”

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Sandra Njoku-Samuel
Media Strategist to the Honourable Minister on Media & Communications
Office of the Honourable Minister
Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy✨