Nigeria’s creative economy received a renewed boost as stakeholders gathered at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, National Theatre, Lagos, for the Lens for Good 2026 Storytellers’ Conference, highlighting how visual storytelling is shaping opportunities for small businesses within the cultural and creative industries.
The conference showcased the growing economic value of visual narratives in film, media, photography, and digital content, sectors that continue to provide income streams and scalable opportunities for creative SMEs. Participants discussed how storytelling goes beyond entertainment to influence perception, identity, and market value, especially for locally owned creative enterprises seeking relevance in competitive markets.
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The revitalised National Theatre emerged as a key asset for MSMEs in the creative space, offering a functional hub where young creators can learn, collaborate, and commercialise their talents. The renewed activity within the complex reflects public investment aimed at providing infrastructure that supports job creation, skills development, and sustainable creative businesses.
Stakeholders noted that restoring the theatre was a strategic move to give emerging African storytellers access to professional spaces that match their ambitions, while also reinforcing accountability in how stories are told and monetised. This environment is expected to strengthen creative value chains, from production to distribution, benefiting small studios, freelancers, and support services.
Adding to the experience was the visible success of the Lagos Blue Line Rail, viewed from the theatre rooftop, symbolising how integrated infrastructure development supports business mobility, audience access, and daily economic activity. Together, culture-led investment and transport infrastructure are positioning Lagos as a stronger base for creative SMEs to grow, connect, and compete.
