Creative Nigeria: Unlocking the Country’s Economic Potential Through Talent -By Fadeela Mustapha Lawan

As Nigeria struggles with economic challenges, the country’s most valuable resource may not be oil, but its talented people. From artists to farmers, Nigerians are finding new ways to innovate and create economic opportunities. But will this be enough to create a sustained economic boom?

According to the Global Talent Competitiveness Index, Nigeria ranks 65th out of 132 countries in terms of its talent competitiveness. It’s certainly true that many Nigerians are naturally talented, with a wealth of opportunities for them to develop their talents into jobs that provide economic security. If Nigeria’s agricultural, technology, and creative industries will continue to grow, many more opportunities could arise for its talented people.Nigeria has a wide range of creative talents that can lead to new job opportunities. In the arts, there are talented musicians, fashion designers, and filmmakers. Additionally There are many traditional creative jobs like; woodworkers, carvers, weavers, basket makers, potters, leatherworker, blacksmithing, molding and many others.

There are a few ways in which talented Nigerians could help to drive economic growth in the country. First, they could start businesses that create new products or services, which would create jobs and spur innovation. Second, they could promote the country’s culture and arts, which could boost tourism and attract foreign investment. Finally, they could help to develop the country’s infrastructure, which would make it easier to do business and attract investment.

Because the Nigerian government is unable to provide jobs for all Nigerians, and there are many unemployed graduates who could benefit from creative jobs. However, there are numerous challenges that have prevented the growth of creative job opportunities in Nigeria. One major issue is the lack of adequate funding and resources. Many artists and artisans struggle to access the necessary materials and equipment to develop their skills and produce quality work. Another challenge is the limited access to markets, both locally and globally. It can be difficult for artists and artisans to connect with potential buyers and sell their products. Finally, there is a lack of government support and recognition for creative professions.

A highly skilled and experienced artist could earn more than a government worker, because the salary of a government job is often not reliable. In addition, creative professions can offer other benefits, such as increased personal satisfaction, that may outweigh the monetary value of a government job and they can provide opportunities for both literate and illiterate people, which could help alleviate the country’s hardship and reduce violence caused by poverty.

Nigeria could follow the example of Uganda, a country in Africa where around 80% of the workforce is self-employed. In Uganda, most people work in agriculture, retail, or other service industries. If Nigerians develop their talents and become self-reliant, they could have more economic opportunities outside of government jobs.
Regarding the issues that limited creative job opportunities in Nigeria would be to create more incentives for private investment in the creative sector. The government could offer tax breaks or other financial incentives to companies that invest in creative industries and also the government could provide funding for incubators or other programs that support entrepreneurs in the creative sector.

Another way could be to create more vocational training programs for people interested in creative careers. These programs could teach people the skills they need to start their own businesses or find work in the creative sector. moreover, the government could invest in infrastructure, such as better internet access and improved transportation, to make it easier for creative workers to connect with each other and with global markets.

Fadeela Mustapha Lawan, From Mass Communication department, Borno State University.