Chocolate City CEO Abuchi Peter Ugwu has cautioned that Lagos risks slowing the growth of its booming creative economy if it does not address the infrastructure problems affecting concerts, film production, cultural technology, and youth-powered entertainment ventures.
Ugwu delivered the warning in Alausa, Ikeja, during the Economic Roundtable Discussion convened by the Economic Intelligence Department of the Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget. The forum gathered policymakers, industry leaders, economists, and cultural stakeholders to assess Lagos’ shifting economic landscape and the structural barriers holding back key sectors.
In his remarks, Ugwu described Nigeria’s creative industry as one of the country’s most energetic economic drivers, sustained by a young population and global interest in Afrobeats, Nollywood, design culture, gaming, and digital media. He noted that Lagos remains the industry’s centre of gravity but faces growing competition from other African cities that are investing in infrastructure, entertainment districts, and production facilities.
Ugwu identified several constraints that must be addressed if Lagos is to retain its leadership position. These include unreliable power supply for productions and live events, inadequate large-capacity venues, limited digital infrastructure for content creators, and the high operational costs that discourage both local and international investors.
He added that the creative sector’s contribution to employment and foreign exchange earnings continues to rise, making it essential for Lagos to adopt long-term policies that encourage production, protect intellectual property, and promote cultural exports.
The roundtable also highlighted broader concerns about urban planning, transportation, environmental management, and the need for public-private partnerships to support the next phase of Lagos’ economic growth.
Ugwu called for coordinated action between government and industry stakeholders, noting that the future of Lagos’ creative economy will depend on whether the state can offer the infrastructure needed to match its cultural ambition.
