Nigeria’s creative, care sectors hold key to sustainable growth – Experts
Industry experts have called for investment in the care economy and creative reform at Nigeria’s 8th Annual Impact Investing Convening.
On the second day of the 8th Annual Convening on Impact Investing, experts spotlighted fresh pathways for Nigeria’s sustainable growth, and called for increased investment in the care economy and urgent reforms in the creative and distribution sectors.
Blessing Adesiyan, CEO of Caring Africa, while delivering the opening presentation themed ‘Catalysing Growth Through Care: Unlocking the Impact Potential of Nigeria’s Core Economy’ urged policymakers and investors to view care as critical infrastructure rather than charity.
“Nigeria is on track to be the third most populous country in the world, if we don’t strengthen our systems of care from childcare to elder care then we risk undermining our own productivity,” she stated.
Adesiyan described the care economy as the foundation of social and economic stability, emphasising the need to recognise and support unpaid care work, which is largely performed by women.
We must acknowledge this invisible labor to achieve inclusive growth, she noted. Adesanya emphasised that innovation must be guided by structure and accountability.
“We need regulations that protect both investors and workers,” she said.
Joy Odiete, founder of Blue Pictures Entertainment, said the absence of reliable data continues to limit the industry’s investment potential.
“There is no proven data to aid investors in providing funding. Without structured data, we can’t attract large-scale financing or prove the industry’s commercial value,” Odiete said.
Odiete also warned of increasing challenges in content monetisation, as global streaming platforms reduce investments in Nigerian cinema. “We can’t rely on external platforms to tell our stories. We must strengthen local distribution circuits.”
Lateef Adedimeji, an actor, referred to informality as a major barrier to industry growth.
“The informality of the business is limiting growth. We need systems that professionalize how films are made, marketed, and distributed,” he stated.
He called for more support for homegrown streaming platforms such as Circuit and urged audiences to reject piracy, describing it as “a silent killer of Nigeria’s creative industry.”
Success stories were showcased from Invest Limited-backed enterprises driving impact in agriculture.
Ezekiel Jatau, CEO of Palm Valley Limited, explained that his firm provides input financing and technical support to smallholder farmers nationwide.
“Our focus is helping farmers scale up production through access to quality inputs and credit,” Jatau said. “We’re not just supporting livelihoods; we’re building food security.”
Jerry Tobi, founder of Jet Farms Nigeria, said the company is focused on creating an integrated agricultural ecosystem. “We are connecting producers, processors, and consumers across the continent.”
The day ended with a call for collective action. “Impact is a group job,” a participant concluded. “Collaboration, not competition, is how we’ll build systems that work for everyone
