BY WILAN GLOBAL

Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram have enabled thousands of young Nigerians to build careers, showcasing the power of digital accessibility.

However, access and affordability remain critical challenges. While urban areas enjoy fibre-optic broadband, many rural communities rely on satellite technology for internet access, which is expensive and often unreliable. If harnessed properly, technology can democratize opportunities, allowing diverse talent across the country to thrive.

Despite these opportunities, Nigeria has suffered a significant loss of talent due to migration, popularly known as the “Japa Syndrome.” Skilled creatives and tech professionals are leaving the country for better opportunities abroad. This brain drain highlights the urgency needed to appreciate, retain, and invest in local talent. As a nation, we must shift our mindset to see the abundant opportunities around us and create policies that empower our people.

Policies exist in Nigeria to support both the tech and creative sectors, yet many of them remain on the shelf. The public sector must leverage technology to drive innovation, implement policies effectively, and create an enabling environment for the creative economy to flourish.

AI is revolutionising content creation, design, and music production. While it enhances efficiency, it also raises concerns about job security for creative professionals.

Governments worldwide are updating IP laws to address challenges posed by AI and digital platforms. The UK, for example, is debating AI companies’ use of artists’ work without permission.

Digital platforms are enabling co-creation and crowdsourcing, allowing global collaborations. Policies must support digital inclusion and fair remuneration.

The creative industry is an economic powerhouse. The World Bank notes that dollar for dollar, the creative industry generates more jobs than manufacturing.

The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) have signed an MoU to integrate technology into Nigeria’s creative industries.

The Federal Government aims to add $100 billion to Nigeria’s GDP through the creative sector.

The DE30 platform will use data analytics to drive investment and growth in the creative economy.

Nigeria’s GDP rebasing will emphasise growth in Art, Culture, Tourism, Creative Economy, and ICT, proving their vital role in economic development.

Policy recommendations

To fully harness technology for a thriving creative economy, Nigeria must:

• Strengthen Intellectual Property (IP) Protection: Update IP laws to safeguard digital content and prevent unauthorised AI usage.

• Invest in Digital Infrastructure: Expand affordable and reliable internet access to rural areas using fibre optics and satellite technology.

• Enhance Educational Reforms: Integrate digital literacy and creative skills into school curricula to prepare future leaders.

• Provide Financial Incentives: Offer grants, tax breaks, and investment opportunities for startups and creatives in the digital economy.

• Drive Public-Sector Innovation: The government must digitise operations, implement policies effectively, and leverage AI and blockchain for governance.

For these policy recommendations to succeed, it is essential to build a strong talent pipeline equipped with the right skills. These include:

▪ Digital literacy and fluency in emerging technologies (e.g., AI, machine learning, blockchain)

▪ Creative thinking and content development skills

▪ Data analysis and visualisation for storytelling and strategy

▪ Business and financial acumen to scale creative ventures

▪ Understanding of intellectual property and digital rights management

▪ Soft skills like collaboration, adaptability, and communication, especially for cross-sector partnerships

▪ Public policy and civic tech know-how to support engagement with governance and implementation

These competencies should be integrated into both formal education systems and informal training programs such as bootcamps, accelerator programs, online courses, and mentorship initiatives.

Call to action

The future of Nigeria’s creative economy depends on collaboration between the government, the private sector, and industry stakeholders. By aligning policy implementation with technological innovation, Nigeria can retain its talents, foster economic growth, and establish itself as a global creative hub.

Views expressed by contributors are strictly personal and not of TheCable.