The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) have announced a landmark partnership aimed at integrating Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries (CCI) with the country’s rapidly growing digital economy.
The partnership, formalized during a meeting at NITDA headquarters in Abuja, saw NCAC Director-General Obi Asika and NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, outline a collaborative framework to harness innovation and drive growth in Nigeria’s cultural and creative sectors.
NCAC’s Innovate, Create, Empower (ICE) program will scale up to 1,000 locations nationwide, with a goal of training 2 million Nigerians in creative and digital skills by 2027. NITDA will support this effort by providing state-of-the-art digital labs and training facilities.
NCAC is working with private partners to create digital platforms for fan engagement, subscription video-on-demand, e-commerce, and capacity building. NITDA will enhance these platforms with cloud services and robust distribution networks. Additionally, NCAC has requested NITDA’s assistance in equipping its offices nationwide with computers, digital tools, and podcast studios to facilitate full-scale digital transformation.
The collaboration also includes the launch of BuyNigeria.ng, an e-commerce platform connecting artisans and traders in Kano, Lagos, Aba, and Abuja to a broader online audience. NCAC will mobilize its creative communities to participate in NITDA events such as GITEX Nigeria 2025, while its Nigeria’s Got Talent platform will incorporate NITDA’s digital literacy programs to nurture tech-savvy creatives.
Speaking at the event, Obi Asika emphasized the potential of the partnership to unlock new opportunities for Nigeria’s cultural industries.
“Our creative industries are the backbone of Nigeria’s identity and economy,” Asika said. “By integrating digital tools, we’re not only preserving our culture but also creating new avenues for global competitiveness.”
Kashifu Inuwa highlighted the importance of leveraging technology to empower Nigeria’s creative talents.
“This collaboration ensures that our cultural heritage evolves with the times,” Inuwa stated. “By equipping the creative sector with digital skills and tools, we are positioning Nigeria as a leader in both innovation and cultural expression.”
The NCAC-NITDA partnership represents a significant step toward uniting Nigeria’s cultural heritage with the power of technology. From providing digital tools to fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems, the initiative aims to redefine the role of the creative industries in the national economy.
With a joint committee established to oversee implementation, the partnership is set to transform Nigeria’s creative and cultural landscape, positioning it as a digitally savvy hub for innovation and global influence.