By Adesina Wahab

Olukanmi Abayomi, Chief Executive Officer of Abazee Productions, says Nigeria’s entertainment sector has grown into a significant contributor to the country’s economy, citing job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and expanding global visibility.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos yesterday, Abayomi said the creative industry — particularly film and music — has evolved from a largely informal sector into a structured economic force.

“The conversation about entertainment in Nigeria can no longer be limited to celebrity culture,” he said. “It is an economic conversation.”

Abayomi pointed to the growth of Nollywood, which has expanded its global footprint through international distribution deals and digital streaming platforms. According to him, film productions now generate employment across multiple layers of the value chain, including technical crews, post-production teams, logistics providers, and hospitality businesses.

“A single mid-scale production engages dozens, sometimes hundreds, of workers directly and indirectly,” he noted.

He also referenced the international success of Nigerian music artists such as Burna Boy and Wizkid, saying their global tours and streaming numbers have increased demand for Nigerian content abroad.

“That global acceptance has implications for exports, brand partnerships, and even tourism,” Abayomi said.

Nigeria’s entertainment content is increasingly distributed through international platforms, including Netflix, which has commissioned and licensed several Nigerian productions in recent years. Abayomi said such partnerships provide access to foreign markets and help attract investment into the local industry.

However, he acknowledged that structural challenges remain, including funding constraints, piracy, and inconsistent regulatory policies.

“The industry has grown largely on the resilience of practitioners,” he said. “There is still a need for stronger institutional support to maximize its economic potential.”

Industry analysts estimate that the creative sector contributes significantly to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, though precise figures vary depending on methodology. Abayomi argued that with improved infrastructure and financing mechanisms, the sector’s contribution could increase further.

He added that beyond revenue, the industry plays a role in shaping Nigeria’s global image through storytelling and cultural exports.

“Film and music travel easily across borders,” he said. “They influence perception, and perception can influence economic opportunity.”

Abazee Productions, based in Lagos, operates in film and television content development. Abayomi did not disclose company revenue figures but said the company has worked with both local and international partners.

As Nigeria continues efforts to diversify its economy away from oil dependence, stakeholders say the entertainment industry remains one of the country’s fastest-growing non-oil sectors.