On Tuesday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, received the India High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Shri Balasubramanian, in Abuja, where he stated that the Federal Government is ready to offer land to Indian investors who are willing to invest in Nigeria’s creative industry.
The government plans to provide land in both Abuja and Lagos to construct comprehensive film cities in the two cities in order to bolster the economy of the creative industry.
The Minister noted that Nigeria is eager to benefit from the numerous opportunities available in the creative industry to boost job creation. He believes India would be an excellent strategic partner in this regard due to its vast movie industry, Bollywood.
He recalled that the collaboration between Nollywood and Bollywood, which resulted in the production of “Namaste Wahala,” had been successful.
He acknowledged that Nigeria and India have had cordial bilateral relations dating back to 1958 and have collaborated in various sectors, including the creative industry.
In commerce, India is one of Nigeria’s biggest trade partners, and the Minister assured the envoy that Nigeria would look into the two outstanding Memorandum of Understanding between both countries.
The High Commissioner agreed with the Minister, stating that Nigeria and India have enjoyed excellent relations in various sectors, including the creative industry. He believes that there is much to be achieved together in the sector, including joint productions and the exchange of views and ideas.
Furthermore, as the current Chairman of the G-20, India seeks Nigeria’s participation in some of the Group’s meetings, especially those relating to the creative sector.
In conclusion, the Nigerian government is willing to collaborate with India in the creative industry and welcomes Indian investors into the country. The government’s promise to offer land in Abuja and Lagos to build comprehensive film cities will undoubtedly help to improve the economy of the creative industry, thereby creating more job opportunities.
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