Beyond Raw Talent: Why Nigeria’s creative economy demands structure, capital, and protection - Editorial@ITREALMS

For decades, Nigeria’s creative industry has been celebrated as a triumph of sheer willpower. From the global dominance of Afrobeats and the prolific output of Nollywood to the viral reach of digital content creators and literary icons, the nation’s cultural influence is undeniable. Yet, behind the glitz and international accolades lies a sobering economic reality: raw talent alone can no longer sustain or scale Nigeria’s creative economy.

The message delivered at the second QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit in Lagos was both urgent and clear. As stakeholders noted, talent without structure is merely a hustle. While creative individuals continue to put Nigeria on the global map, the country contributes barely 1.2 percent to its national GDP from the creative sector; less than half of South Africa’s contribution, where intentional policy, proper infrastructure, and transparent measurement frameworks are firmly in place.