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The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has arrived in Nigeria as part of his ongoing trade mission to Africa.
The London mayor noted that the Nigerian creative sector is the country’s second-largest employer and contributes a vital role in boosting economic growth and job creation.
“Nigeria’s creative industry contributes approximately $5.6 billion to the nation’s GDP,” the statement read. “The sector is the second-largest employer in the country, and the Nigerian government is aiming for it to generate $100 billion by 2030. I want London to be part of that journey,”he said.
Khan, who, according to a statement, spoke during Lagos Canvas, a cultural showcase at EbonyLife Place, Lagos, co-hosted by EbonyLife Group CEO, Mo Abudu, described London and Lagos as two of the most culturally vibrant cities in the world and called for stronger creative partnerships that can boost economic growth and inspire youngsters.
The event stakeholders including Nollywood actors, Afrobeats, fashion, and visual arts to deepen collaboration between both cities.
“London and Lagos are two of the most culturally dynamic cities in the world, with our music, film, fashion, design, and digital creativity leading the way. As both of our creative industries thrive, I want to see even closer collaboration,” he said.
The Lagos Canvas event had movie screenings, live performances, fashion shows, and art exhibitions curated by EbonyLife, Soto Gallery, and House of Zeta.
Creatives like Hertunba and Wannifuga featured alongside visual artist Johnson Uwadinma and multimedia artist Obi Nwaegbe. EbonyLife Films also presented clips by directors Jade Osiberu and Kayode Kasum.
Mo Abudu expresses optimism of collaboration between London and Lagos adding that it shows a growing global appreciation for African creativity.
“We are truly delighted to be co-hosting this special evening alongside the Mayor of London right here at EbonyLife Place in Lagos,” she said. “With Canvas Lagos, we are building bridges between Lagos and London — two vibrant cities bound by innovation, resilience, and an abundance of creative talent.”
The statement revealed that there are plans on the way for a London edition of Lagos Canvas later this year. It is in partnership with the Lagos State Government.
Figures shared by Khan’s office show that London’s creative economy generates over £63 billion annually and supports one in five jobs. Afrobeats has also grown in popularity across the UK, with Burna Boy becoming the first African artiste to headline a UK stadium show in 2023.
Other existing partnerships between both cities include the Yinka Shonibare Foundation, Guest Artists Space (G.A.S.), Tiwani Contemporary galleries, and the South London Gallery, which has previously hosted exhibitions on Lagos-Peckham connections.
The UK-Nigeria Creative Industries Technical Working Group launched in March in London to support innovation and long-term creative partnerships between the two countries.
Khan’s visit is part of a broader five-day trade mission across four African cities to promote collaboration in finance, scholarship, IT, health, sustainability, and the creative economy.
