The Special Adviser to the President on Digital Economy, Fegho Umunubo, has disclosed that the creative industry is expected to create about 2.7 million jobs by 2025.
 
Speaking at the Creative Investment Forum organised by the American Business Council Nigeria in Lagos, he disclosed that NI.5 billion has been disbursed to the first batch of beneficiaries of the N5 billion creative fund. He said this intervention is expected to bridge the funding gap.
 
Noting that skill acquisition is very important, he added that over 60,000 individuals have been trained. Stressing the need for partnerships, he noted that sustained and inclusive growth could be achieved through collaboration.

Umunubo said the nation could drive sustainable growth by investing in the creative economy.
  
“Partnership with stakeholders is very important. We are also supporting local fashion creative in showcasing their works globally. Empowerments of Nigerian creative remain vital to this administration.”
 
The Technical Adviser to the President on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Zahrah Audu, observed that the creative sector has contributed significantly to the growth of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
 
“In 2020, the sector contributed $239 million in FDI. It is expected to contribute $1.4 billion by 2025. The Nigerian government is interested in the development of the creative sector; the youths in the creative space are doing amazing jobs, and Nigeria’s Nollywood is consumed globally,” she said.
 
On her part, USAID Mission Director in Nigeria, Melissa Jones, said the creative sector fosters job creation and innovation, adding that the sector has created 30 trillion jobs globally.
 
She identified gaps as access to finance infrastructure and intellectual property.  Chief Executive Officer, American Business Council Nigeria, Margaret Olele, said the event was organised to generate conversations and bridge gaps in the creative sector.