OPPORTUNITIES FOR VISUAL ARTISTS IN NIGERIA’S DIGITAL ECONOMY: IMPLICATIONS OF DIGITAL TAXATION
Abstract
The rapid expansion of Nigeria’s digital economy has transformed the visual arts sector by creating new opportunities for artistic production, global market access, digital entrepreneurship, and income generation. At the same time, the emergence of digital taxation and evolving regulatory frameworks has introduced new obligations and challenges for visual artists operating on digital platforms. This paper critically examines the opportunities available to Nigerian visual artists within the digital economy and explores the implications of the country’s emerging digital tax regime for creative practice, commercialization, and sustainable livelihoods. Drawing on recent literature, policy documents, and relevant theoretical perspectives, the paper analyses how digital technologies, online marketplaces, social media, and intellectual property protection shape artists’ participation in the digital creative economy. It further identifies major constraints, including inadequate digital infrastructure, limited digital and tax literacy, weak copyright enforcement, and uncertainties surrounding tax compliance. The paper argues that while digital taxation can promote formalization, transparency, and sustainable growth within the creative industry, its benefits can only be realized through clear policy guidelines, strengthened intellectual property protection, capacity building, and supportive digital infrastructure. The paper concludes that integrating digital entrepreneurship, tax education, and digital skills into art education curricula will better equip emerging visual artists to compete in the global digital marketplace while contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s creative economy and national economic development.
Keywords: Digital economy, digital taxation, visual artists, creative economy, intellectual property, art education, Nigeria
Nonye E. Anozie
anozienonyem@gmail.com
School of Fine & Applied Arts Education, Federal College of Education Technical Umunze