Lagos Invests ₦8.4 Billion to Grow Creative Sector

Lagos State is making a massive bet on its "orange economy" by committing ₦8.4 billion to the creative sector for the 2025 financial year. The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, shared this at the African Music Business Summit. The funds are earmarked for music, film, and hospitality projects to empower local talents.

This investment is part of a larger plan by Governor Sanwo-Olu to turn Lagos into the primary creative hub of Africa. The funding covers a variety of initiatives, including hosting major concerts and providing capacity-building workshops. By supporting these events, the state hopes to attract international tourism and boost the local economy.

A key part of the new strategy involves repurposing government-owned theaters. These facilities will be transformed into modern cinemas and music studios. The goal is to give young, upcoming artists free or affordable access to professional equipment, allowing them to record music and edit films without high overhead costs.

​The Commissioner also announced the launch of the "Lagos Talent Hunt," a program designed to find the next generation of stars. This initiative will provide winners with mentorship and financial backing to launch their careers. The state believes that investing in human capital is just as important as building physical infrastructure.

Lagos' financial commitment to the arts has grown significantly, rising from ₦3.8 billion in previous years to a projected target of ₦40 billion in the near future. This reflects the government's belief that entertainment and culture are vital drivers of jobs and economic growth. The state remains a primary sponsor of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) currently taking place.