Culture minister outlines 8-point plan to transform Nigeria’s creative industry

The Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has unveiled an eight-point strategy intended to firmly establish Nigeria as the global centre of culture and entertainment.

“With our greatest resource, the Nigerian People, at the forefront, we are championing a creative, cultural, and economic renaissance,” said Ms Musawa in a statement shared to reporters on Monday.

“Our culture is a valuable currency, creativity is the new oil, and innovation is our future.”

The minister stated that she would focus on national initiative to unify and bolster the arts, culture, and creative economy sectors.

“This manifesto seeks to increase jobs, attract tourists, and offer more local opportunities,” she said.

She said she would focus on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) which will help at attracting investment.

According to her these partnerships will support the development of infrastructure, tech, and innovation hubs.

This, she said, would enhance the Nigerian creative industries to be among the top 20 globally in contributions to GDP, job creation, and poverty reduction by 2050.

Musawa also expressed her dedication to repatriating significant national heritage artifacts, including the renowned Benin bronzes.

“For a brighter, creative, and innovative Nigeria, we move forward with an unwavering spirit of collaboration and determination. Our rich and unique identity deserves to shine on the global stage,” she added.

Highlights of her eight-point agenda

1. Nigeria Destination 2030: A national initiative to unify and bolster the arts, culture, and creative economy sectors. This manifesto seeks to increase jobs, attract tourists, and offer more local opportunities.
2. Skills Development: Comprehensive training programs will be introduced to ensure professionals are equipped to shine in their fields.
3. Policy Framework & Intellectual Property: The focus will be on creating and refining policies and an enabling environment, emphasizing intellectual property rights protection to encourage innovation and creativity within the creative economy space as well as retain significant IP and revenue streams in Nigeria.
4. Strategic Collaboration: With a firm governance structure, the ministry will collaborate with government agencies, the private sector, academia, and artists. The establishment of a Creative Economy Advisory Council will further solidify these efforts.
5. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Aimed at attracting investment, these partnerships will support the development of infrastructure, tech, and innovation hubs.
6. Growth Targets: Aiming for Nigerian creative industries to be among the top 20 globally in contributions to GDP, job creation, and poverty reduction by 2050.
7. Digital Transformation & Infrastructure: Investment in modern facilities, transportation, and technology, with a keen focus on integrating arts and culture into the digital domain.
8. Cultural Heritage Preservation: Initiatives will be put in place to safeguard Nigeria’s vast cultural heritage, fostering tourism and economic growth while ensuring its continuity for upcoming generations.