UK, Nigeria to co-produce films for local, international markets
The United Kingdom (UK) and Nigeria have agreed to strengthen economic ties through a co-production agreement, facilitating collaboration between film industries in both countries to produce content for domestic and international markets.
UK High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery stated this on Wednesday in Abuja at the 80th anniversary of the British Council in Nigeria.
Montgomery said this partnership aims to boost mutual economic growth, create jobs, and increase investments in both directions, particularly in key sectors such as trade, agriculture, and technology.
While saying that Nigeria’s soft power is gaining momentum globally, he attributed it to the global popularity of Nigerian afrobeat music, which has taken the world by storm.
He assured that the UK government will continue to support Nigeria’s creative economy.
His words: “There are some practical things coming out of the dialogue between the UK and Nigeria. So we have agreed to work on a co-production agreement that helps Nigerians and UK people in the film industry work together and produce more products for both domestic and international markets. We really want to grow the mutual links between our economies.
“In my year and a half as High Commissioner, I am seeing Nigeria’s soft power begin to grow. It is growing through the incredibly talented people in enriching very senior positions in UK academia, institutions from the Diaspora. And indeed in many other countries. Of course, it is evident in the way in which Nigerian afrobeat is taking popular music globally, not just in the UK”.
On his part, the Acting Country Director, British Council, Chilufya Besa said the organisation has grown into a global brand with over 100 countries and 220 locations, fostering inclusive education, effective teaching and learning, and supporting global citizenship.
Represented by the Director Programmes/Chairman, Board of Directors, British Council Nigeria, Chikodi Onyemerela, the Country Director said the 80th-anniversary theme, “Amplifying the Voices of the Future,” reflects the organisation’s commitment to empowering young people, who make up nearly 70% of Nigeria’s population under 30.
Besa said the Council will continue to provide access to global professional development, capacity-building initiatives for teachers, and investments in the creative sector.
The celebration, he stated, underscores the strength of the UK-Nigeria relationship and the British Council’s dedication to fostering educational excellence and supporting Nigerian aspirations.
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