Nigeria’s animation industry received one of its biggest public institutional endorsements as the National Orientation Agency (NOA), in partnership with the Lagos International Festival of Animation (LIFANIMA), launched a national animation challenge aimed at promoting Nigerian values and identity through animated storytelling.
Announced across LIFANIMA’s official platforms, the initiative invites Nigerian animators, studios, and creatives to develop short, animated films centred on themes of national identity, citizenship, culture, and shared values. The challenge forms part of the NOA’s broader push to promote its Nigerian Values Charter through creative media and youth-focused storytelling.
According to details released by the organisers, the competition is open to Nigerian creators working across 2D animation, 3D animation, and stop-motion formats. Submitted works are expected to present narratives that reflect what the organisers describe as the values of a “Real Nigerian”.
The challenge also comes with one of the largest prize pools attached to an animation initiative in the country. A total of ₦22.5 million will be awarded across the top three entries, with ₦10 million going to the overall winner, ₦7.5 million for second place, and ₦5 million for third place.
For an industry that has historically struggled with funding, infrastructure, and institutional support, the announcement marks a notable moment for Nigerian animation. While animation talent across the country has continued to gain international recognition through studios, independent creators, and digital platforms, large-scale government-backed financial support for animation production has remained relatively rare.
The partnership between NOA and LIFANIMA also signals a growing recognition of animation as more than just entertainment. Speaking through materials shared by the organisers, the initiative is framed as an attempt to encourage more culturally rooted storytelling amid the dominance of foreign animated content consumed by Nigerian audiences.
Founded in 2017, LIFANIMA has grown into one of Africa’s most visible animation festivals, bringing together animators, filmmakers, studios, students, and industry stakeholders from across the continent and beyond. The festival has become a platform for conversations around the future of African animation, creator development, and industry collaboration.
The challenge adds a new layer to conversations like the role public institutions should play in supporting the creative industry and how animation can contribute to national storytelling without limiting artistic freedom. As submissions open, many within the industry will be watching closely to see not only the quality of projects that emerge from the initiative, but also whether this marks the beginning of sustained institutional investment in Nigeria’s growing animation ecosystem.
Applications for the challenge are currently open through LIFANIMA’s official platforms till July 3. For more information, visit LIFANIMA Official Website or follow LIFANIMA on Instagram.
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