FG, Chocolate City partner to boost creative economy

The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy (FMACTCE) has signed a groundbreaking three-year partnership with Chocolate City Group to transform Nigeria’s creative sector. The agreement, formalized on Thursday in Abuja, aims to drive growth through live venue development, talent discovery, global content distribution, and stronger intellectual property protections.

The collaboration merges public policy with private sector innovation, focusing on music, content creation, and live event infrastructure. It is expected to unlock new economic opportunities and help professionalize the creative ecosystem across the country.

Speaking at the event, Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa described Nigeria’s creative industries as one of the nation’s greatest untapped resources. She emphasized their potential to drive GDP growth, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings, calling the partnership a key step in building sustainable creative ecosystems.

Chocolate City Group Chairman, Audu Maikori, said the initiative comes at a critical time. He noted that Nigeria’s music industry alone generates around $2 billion annually and highlighted Afrobeats as a major cultural export that boosts the country’s global image and economy.

Co-Founder and Vice Chairman of Chocolate City, Paul Okeugo, pointed to the wide-reaching economic impact of building creative infrastructure. He said the creation of live arenas and studios would generate jobs across several industries while helping creators maintain ownership of their work.

A Joint Working Committee composed of representatives from both organizations will lead the implementation. They will identify and execute specific projects to nurture talent, enhance Nigeria’s cultural footprint globally, and foster entrepreneurship in the creative space.

The deal coincides with Chocolate City’s 20th anniversary and aligns with the Ministry’s Nigeria Destination 2030 initiative. The national plan seeks to position Nigeria as a top destination for tourism, investment, and cultural exchange by the end of the decade.

Founded in 2005, Chocolate City has grown into a leading entertainment brand, managing artists, producing content, and shaping the African music scene. The company has helped launch the careers of major stars like Femi Kuti, Ice Prince, Blaqbonez, and Young Jonn.