Musawa urges integration of art, culture into public-sector excellence

Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq., has called for the integration of art and culture into Nigeria’s public-sector development, describing them as essential to national unity, economic growth and sustainable governance.

She made the call on Thursday while addressing trainees at the 4th Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI) held at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Abuja. The programme was themed “Building the Next Generation of Public Sector Leaders.”

Musawa said Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage remains a powerful unifying force capable of strengthening national identity across diverse ethnic groups. She noted that societies that value creativity tend to produce more adaptable and empathetic citizens.

According to her, integrating art and culture into governance transforms the creative sectors into engines of economic development, job creation and diversification. She listed crafts, music, film, design and heritage tourism as industries capable of attracting investment and expanding exports.

The minister stressed that prioritising the creative economy in public policy demonstrates long-term national vision and fosters innovation, civic engagement and institutional strength. She said public servants become more effective when they are culturally aware and exposed to creative thinking.

Musawa called for supportive legislation to protect intellectual property, encourage investment in creative infrastructure and integrate arts and culture into education and community development. Such measures, she said, are crucial to unlocking the sector’s full potential.

“Embedding art and culture at the heart of governance and public-sector planning is not a luxury, it is a necessity,” she said. “It builds unity, drives economic growth, fosters innovation, strengthens institutions and ensures that development reflects the soul of the nation.”

She also commended LMI founder and Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, for his commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of public-sector leaders. Other speakers at the event included Aisha Augie, Bayo Omoboriowo, Amb. Dapo Oyewole and the Secretary-General of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures.