Lagos Commissioner advocates stronger policies, inclusion to boost creative industry growth

The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has called for stronger policies and greater inclusion to drive the growth of Nigeria’s film and creative industries, especially for women.

Delivering the keynote address at the 2025 Women in Film Annual Conference on Tuesday at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Benson-Awoyinka described the creative sector as “an engine of identity, a driver of socio-economic growth, and a central pillar of Africa’s global voice.”

She stressed that while talent abounds across Africa, it thrives only in environments where deliberate policies and intentional inclusion create room for growth.

“Policy power matters because it shapes the very environment in which creativity thrives. Policies determine access to funding, infrastructure, intellectual property protection and international visibility. Without the right frameworks, talent risks being stifled and opportunities remain untapped,” she said.

Benson-Awoyinka added that inclusion remains “non-negotiable,” highlighting the need for women to have seats at decision-making tables where their stories and leadership can shape the future of the industry.

Highlighting Lagos State’s interventions, she said the government is committed to promoting women-led projects, expanding access to funding and fostering equitable representation. She noted that the state is also investing in training programmes, incubators and partnerships that prepare creatives for both local impact and global competition.

She urged participants to critically assess whether existing policies empower or exclude, open doors or reinforce ceilings, and to ensure that structures are in place for the next generation of women filmmakers to thrive globally.

“Our vision is clear: an ecosystem where no voice is silenced, no talent is wasted and no barrier prevents women from rising as leaders and changemakers in the creative industries,” she stated.

The Commissioner also encouraged stakeholders to leverage policy to unlock markets by supporting distribution networks, embracing digital platforms and building cross-continental partnerships that amplify African stories.

Commending the Forum for Women in Film, TV and Other Screen-Based Media (FWIFT) for convening the event, Benson-Awoyinka reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to policies that empower, inclusion that inspires and amplifying Africa’s creative voice “strong, unapologetic and unstoppable.”