Globalization and the culture/creative industries: An assessment of Nigeria’s position in the global space

Abstract

Globalization has shaped every facet of human life, and its inevitability has also impacted the culture and creative industries. Driven largely by economic benefits and advances in cross-border communication technologies, globalization of cultural goods and services has been hailed as a welcome development. Many societies are taking advantage of this as an opportunity to export their culture, increase their global soft power, and establish their presence and relevance in the global space. In this regard, Nigeria competes with many other countries. Her cultural output as a nation has been recognized and acknowledged globally, placing her on a pedestal far above her African contemporaries. This success (if one can describe it as such) has been due to the contribution of various segments of the local culture and creative industries, notably the film, music and fashion industries. The concern, however, is whether Nigeria can continue to maintain its place in the global space and sustainably ensure its future relevance. This paper addresses this concern by appraising Nigeria's current position in the global culture and creative industries, identifying challenges threatening this position, and recommending measures for further consolidation of the country's position in the global space.