Empowering Nigeria’s Economy Through the Creative Industry
The Global President of the Theater Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, recently made a groundbreaking statement that could potentially reshape Nigeria’s economic landscape. He emphasized the incredible potential of the creative industry to elevate Nigeria out of its current economic challenges. This powerful message was delivered in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the unveiling of the official logo for the upcoming TAMPAN National Conference, themed ‘Eko2025,’ scheduled for February 19-22 in Lagos.
Unleashing the Economic Power of Creativity
Amusan highlighted key obstacles hindering Nigeria’s growth, such as economic hardships, high unemployment rates, inadequate infrastructure, corruption, security concerns, and social disparities. However, he passionately advocated for the strategic harnessing of the arts and creative sector to combat these challenges effectively. He emphasized that industries like film, music, fashion, visual arts, and digital media could play a pivotal role in diversifying Nigeria’s economy and creating numerous employment opportunities.
The statistics shared by Amusan were truly eye-opening. In 2023, motion picture and music recording alone contributed approximately 154 billion Nigerian naira to the GDP, equivalent to around 197.6 million U.S. dollars. The impact of streaming giant Netflix on the Nigerian film industry was equally remarkable, supporting over 5,000 jobs and injecting more than $23 million into the sector. Additionally, the Nigerian box office revenue saw substantial growth from 2021 to 2023, signaling a flourishing industry with vast untapped potential.
Embracing a Brighter Future Through Creativity
Amusan projected that the creative sector currently employs around 4.2 million individuals in Nigeria. Moreover, with proper utilization of its latent potentials, this sector could generate an additional 2.7 million jobs within the next few years, offering a beacon of hope for many Nigerians seeking sustainable livelihoods. The forthcoming TAMPAN National Conference is poised to serve as a platform for exploring how the creative industry can contribute meaningfully to addressing the nation’s most pressing issues.
This transformative event is expected to draw over 8,000 participants from TAMPAN chapters worldwide, showcasing the global reach and impact of Nigeria’s creative community. Notably, Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will be honored with the prestigious TAMPAN Pillar of Arts Award, recognizing his exceptional support for the arts in Nigeria. Additionally, the Onipokia of Ipokia will be celebrated as the Royal Patron of the Association, underscoring the vital role of traditional leaders in fostering artistic excellence and cultural heritage.
As we reflect on Amusan’s impassioned call to action, let us envision a future where creativity thrives, economies prosper, and communities flourish through the transformative power of the arts. Nigeria stands at a crossroads, where the path to economic resurgence lies in embracing and nurturing the boundless creativity that defines our nation’s rich cultural tapestry. Let us seize this moment to unlock the full potential of the creative industry and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all Nigerians.
