Senior International Trade Consultant Collins Nweke has called on the Federal Government to strengthen cooperation with the Nigeria Belgium Luxembourg Business Forum (NBLBF) to drive economic growth.
Speaking in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Nweke said Nigeria should position its creative economy at the centre of preparations for the 2026 NBLBF in Brussels. He spoke following a meeting between Thomas De Beule of the CBL-ACP Chamber of Commerce and the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.
According to him, Nigeria’s creative industry, spanning Afrobeats, Nollywood, fashion and festivals has become a strategic tool of economic diplomacy, capable of attracting investment, boosting tourism and strengthening global partnerships.
“National influence is no longer driven solely by trade volumes or political alliances; it is increasingly defined by identity, storytelling and cultural capital,” Nweke said, adding that the creative sector should headline discussions at the 2026 forum rather than play a supporting role.
He described culture as a form of soft power that converts visibility into jobs, exports and long-term partnerships, noting that deeper collaboration with Belgium and Luxembourg could open opportunities in film co-productions, design exchanges and cultural showcases.
Nweke, Chair Emeritus of Nigerians in Diaspora (NiDO) Europe, said the NBLBF has served as a bridge between Nigeria and the Belux region, but stressed that modern economic diplomacy now requires shared narratives, trust and cultural understanding to build sustainable partnerships
