Stronger creative ecosystems key to sustainable growth —FCMB

Leading stakeholders from Nigeria’s creative industry, financial institutions, government agencies, development partners, and private sector organisations convened at the 2026 Business Day Creative Entertainment Summit held at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, to examine the structural reforms required to unlock the sector’s long-term growth and economic potential.

The summit provided a platform for robust discussions on the opportunities and challenges shaping Nigeria’s creative economy, with participants exploring pathways for building a more sustainable, globally competitive, and investment-ready industry.

Speaking during a panel session, Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), noted that while Nigerian creatives continue to achieve remarkable success on the global stage, the industry’s future growth will depend on the strength of the ecosystem supporting creative talent and enterprises.

According to her, Nigeria’s creative industry has demonstrated extraordinary resilience and innovation, producing globally recognised artistes, creators, and businesses despite operating within an environment characterised by significant structural constraints.

“The success stories we celebrate today are proof of the immense talent, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit that exists within Nigeria’s creative industry. However, for sustainable growth to occur, we must move beyond individual success stories and focus on strengthening the system that enables creative enterprises to scale, compete, and create lasting economic value”, she said.

“Financing is important, but capital alone cannot solve the industry’s challenges. We must also address issues around intellectual property protection, efficient royalty collection mechanisms, business formalisation, governance standards, data transparency, distribution networks, industry infrastructure, and capacity building. These are the foundations that attract investment and support sustainable growth.”

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She further noted that stronger institutional frameworks would not only improve investor confidence but also enable creative entrepreneurs to build scalable businesses capable of creating jobs, generating export earnings, and contributing meaningfully to national economic development.

At FCMB, we are intentional about supporting sectors that create opportunities and drive economic development. We understand that sustainable progress in the creative industry requires collaboration, knowledge sharing, capacity development, and strategic partnerships that strengthen the broader ecosystem. Our role is to support initiatives and platforms that help creative entrepreneurs build stronger and more sustainable businesses.

She added that through initiatives such as SheVentures and other entrepreneurship-focused interventions, FCMB continues to support entrepreneurs across various sectors by providing access to training, mentorship, business advisory services, networking opportunities, and, where appropriate, financing solutions.

As a supporter of entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth, FCMB remains committed to collaborating with stakeholders across sectors to support initiatives that strengthen Nigeria’s creative economy and enable more entrepreneurs to thrive in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.