AS part of its commitment to promote the growth and development of Nigeria’s trade and investment sector, the United Kingdom has pledged to partner with Nigeria’s film and television industries.
Helen Grant, the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, made the statement during a two-day inaugural creative trade mission organized by the UK’s Department for International Trade in Lagos (DIT).
She stated that the main goal was for UK and Nigerian filmmakers to pursue co-productions and grow their impact in both countries.
She stated that the main goal was for UK and Nigerian filmmakers to pursue co-productions and grow their impact in both countries.
Helen Grant was joined by 30 Nigerian producers, directors, screenwriters, and cinematographers, including Nigerian filmmakers Mo Abudu, Mildred Okwo, Michelle Bello, Kunle Afolayan, Rogers Ofime, and Damola Ademola.
Shawn Faqua, Eku Edewor, and other actors had the chance to meet, network, and exchange their experiences with their peers in the UK delegation. Victoria Thomas, a BAFTA-nominated producer, Victoria McKenzie, Debo Oluwatuminu, Africa House London Limited, and the British Film Institute were among them. The expedition involved both countries through a series of lectures, panel sessions, and one-on-one conversations, allowing them to see some of the many prospects open to them.
Speaking on the Trade Mission, Grant said: “Following the series of creative’s sector webinars that was led by DIT Nigeria in May 2021, it was evident that there was a clear interest from both the UK and Nigerian film and TV industry to explore potential collaborations.
“This trade mission is a direct response to the positive feedback we received, and we hope that some fruitful partnerships will be formed as a result. I hope both countries’ delegations will use the opportunity to increase their understanding of the business opportunities available to them, sign some co-production agreements and open the door for the UK to tap into the uniqueness of Nollywood, the second largest film industry in the world.”
She stated that the UK government is looking forward to welcoming Niyi Adebayo, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, and his delegation to London for the Economic Development Forum on April 26, 2022. Through ministerial conversation, the UK and Nigeria will discuss and address as many market access impediments as feasible in order to enhance trade and investment.
Grant praised Nigeria’s significant participation at COP26, including the President’s net-zero pledge, as well as the country’s adoption of the landmark Climate Change Act shortly after the conference.
She also outlined areas where UK Export Finance may assist in accelerating economic growth, emphasizing how removing duties on solar home systems for domestic use would result in a nine-fold increase in revenue.
Helen Grant traveled to Abuja before the Trade Mission to meet with Adebayo, Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Professor Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of Staff to the President.
Throughout the meeting, the focus was on how to overcome specific barriers to conducting business in Nigeria, such as currency restrictions and gasoline subsidies. Grant also spoke about trade facilitation in and out of Nigerian ports, as well as specific deals in the ongrid energy renewables arena, where she believes that more government involvement would be advantageous.
