In a decisive move to fuse Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage with the transformative power of emerging technologies, the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), under the authority of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, has formally inaugurated the Council for Creative Technology Futures (CCTF). This groundbreaking initiative, approved at the highest levels, is designed to ensure that Nigeria not only participates in the ongoing digital revolution but also shapes it on its own terms.
The CCTF emerges at a critical time when Nigeria’s creative economy, encompassing over 49 sectors, from music, film, and fashion to gaming, design, and literary arts, is projected to surpass $25 billion by 2025. By harnessing the capabilities of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Web3, and blockchain, the Council aims to unlock new models for creation, distribution, and monetisation of cultural assets, ensuring Nigerian creatives can compete on a global stage without losing their unique identity.
Speaking at the inauguration, NCAC Director General, Obi Asika framed the initiative as a forward-thinking leap. “This Council is about merging culture and code, storytelling and smart contracts, heritage and innovation. We are not just reacting to global change; we are leading it from Africa,” he declared. His words reflect the Council’s mandate to position Nigeria not as a passive consumer of digital culture but as a producer and exporter of next-generation creative experiences.
Central to its mission, the CCTF will develop the National Creative-Tech Framework and Roadmap (2025–2030), a long-term strategy that integrates seamlessly with existing national policies, including the National AI Strategy, Executive Order 005, and the Digital Economy Policy. This framework will be implemented in close collaboration with the NCAC’s other flagship initiatives, such as the Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship (ICE) Hubs and the Discover Naija programme, ensuring synergy between technology adoption, cultural promotion, and local capacity building.
The Council’s membership reads like a who’s who of creative and technological leadership. Charles Emembolu will serve as Chairman, supported by industry luminaries such as Misan Harriman, Dayo Elegbe, Bizzle Oshikoya, Kemi Awodein, Osas Peter, Malik Afegbua, Sandra Oyewole, Judith Okonkwo, Dr. Dahiru Sani, and Dr. Chinedu Odoala. In a notable gesture of civic responsibility, all members are serving pro bono, underscoring a shared commitment to national service and the vision of a globally competitive Nigerian creative sector.
International collaboration is a core pillar of the CCTF’s approach. Strategic partnerships are already underway with heavyweight global institutions and corporations including the British Council, the University for the Creative Arts UK, UNESCO, Google, Meta, the African Development Bank, GIZ, the European Union, and Netflix. These alliances will provide technical expertise, global market access, and funding pathways, while positioning Nigeria as a central player in the worldwide creative-technology economy.
For Asika, the significance of this launch extends beyond economics. “We are building the foundation for Nigeria’s creative future where our stories, music, art, and innovation are protected, monetised, and celebrated globally,” he said. This vision reflects a broader aspiration, to ensure that Nigerian creatives have the tools, policies, and partnerships needed to own their intellectual property, reach global audiences, and thrive in a digital-first world.
With the CCTF’s inception, Nigeria sends a clear message: it is ready to lead the fusion of culture and technology, not only for national prosperity but also to redefine Africa’s role in the global digital renaissance.
