The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has said that Nigeria’s creative industry contributes approximately $5.6 billion to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Khan made this known in a statement published on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, on the official website of the Mayor of London, as part of his ongoing trade mission to Africa.

According to the statement, the London mayor noted that the Nigerian creative sector is the country’s second-largest employer and plays a vital role in boosting economic growth and job creation.

“Nigeria’s creative industry contributes approximately $5.6 billion to the nation’s GDP,” the statement read. “The sector is the second-largest employer in the country, and the Nigerian government is aiming for it to generate $100 billion by 2030. I want London to be part of that journey.”

Khan, who, according to the statement, spoke during Lagos Canvas, a cultural showcase at EbonyLife Place, Lagos, co-hosted by EbonyLife Group CEO, Mo Abudu, described London and Lagos as two of the most culturally vibrant cities in the world and called for stronger creative partnerships that can drive economic opportunities and inspire young people.

The event brought together key players in Nollywood, Afrobeats, fashion, and visual arts to deepen collaboration between both cities.

“London and Lagos are two of the most culturally dynamic cities in the world, with our music, film, fashion, design, and digital creativity leading the way. As both of our creative industries thrive, I want to see even closer collaboration,” he said.

The statement added that the Lagos Canvas event featured live performances, fashion showcases, film screenings, and art exhibitions curated by EbonyLife, Soto Gallery, and House of Zeta. Designers such as Hertunba and Wannifuga featured alongside visual artist Johnson Uwadinma and multimedia artist Obi Nwaegbe. EbonyLife Films also presented clips by directors Jade Osiberu and Kayode Kasum.

Mo Abudu said the collaboration between London and Lagos reflects growing global appreciation for African creativity.

“We are truly delighted to be co-hosting this special evening alongside the Mayor of London right here at EbonyLife Place in Lagos,” she said. “With Canvas Lagos, we are building bridges between Lagos and London — two vibrant cities bound by innovation, resilience, and an abundance of creative talent.”

The statement also revealed that plans are underway for a London edition of Lagos Canvas later this year, in partnership with the Lagos State Government.

Figures shared by Khan’s office show that London’s creative economy generates over £63 billion annually and supports one in five jobs. Afrobeats has also grown in popularity across the UK, with Burna Boy becoming the first African artiste to headline a UK stadium show in 2023.

Other existing partnerships between both cities include the Yinka Shonibare Foundation, Guest Artists Space (G.A.S.), Tiwani Contemporary galleries, and the South London Gallery, which has previously hosted exhibitions on Lagos-Peckham connections.

In March, the UK-Nigeria Creative Industries Technical Working Group was launched in London to support innovation and long-term creative partnerships between the two countries.

Khan’s visit to Lagos is part of a wider five-day trade mission across four African cities aimed at promoting collaboration in finance, education, technology, healthcare, sustainability, and the creative economy.