Nigeria’s creative industry stands on the brink of a jobs boom, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, told lawmakers in Abuja on Wednesday. Speaking at a public hearing on the bill to establish the National Institute for Film and Media Technology in Ukawu, Abbas revealed that the creative sector—already the nation’s second–largest employer—could generate another 2.7 million jobs by 2025.
Represented at the event by Rep. Amos Magaji, Speaker Abbas highlighted the sector’s rapid expansion. “Today, the creative economy contributes over 6.1 percent to global gross domestic product,” he noted, “and Nigeria’s own industry has grown to rival established sectors in employment.” With film, music, fashion, publishing, and digital media all thriving, Nigeria has emerged as Africa’s cultural powerhouse, exporting talents and productions around the world.
Legislative Push for Technical and Vocational Excellence
The proposed National Institute for Film and Media Technology is designed to anchor this growth by equipping young Nigerians with hands-on expertise. “This bill aligns with our 10th Assembly’s commitment to modernize technical education,” Abbas said. He stressed that embedding entrepreneurship modules and cutting-edge technologies—everything from AI-driven editing suites to renewable-powered studios—will ensure graduates can both create and monetize original content.
Mainstreaming Emerging Technologies
During the hearing, Abbas underscored the urgency of integrating artificial intelligence, robotics, and other emerging tools into curricula. “The world is already running ahead with AI,” he warned. “If our educational institutions don’t adapt, we will leave behind the very generation we vow to serve.” Lawmakers discussed partnerships with tech firms and overseas film academies to fast-track the institute’s capabilities.
Echoing the Speaker’s optimism, Rep. Olusola Fatoba, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values, called for a surge in investment. “A vibrant film and media sector pulls young people off the streets and into productive careers,” Fatoba said. “It’s time we recognize creative production as essential infrastructure—on par with roads and power.”
As Nigeria grapples with unemployment and seeks to diversify beyond oil, policymakers believe that a world-class media institute can serve as a catalyst. By marrying technical training with entrepreneurship and new technologies, the National Institute for Film and Media Technology could become a blueprint for creative economies across Africa.
Lawmakers will review stakeholder input through May before the bill advances to second reading. If passed, construction of the Ukawu institute could begin before year’s end, with the first student cohort arriving in early 2026.