Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has highlighted the ministry’s efforts to foster growth in the creative and cultural economy by implementing policies that create a conducive business environment.
In an interview with journalists, Musawa emphasized the administration’s commitment to capturing a significant portion of the global creative industry’s market, which is valued at over $1 trillion. She noted that this aligns with the administration’s renewed hope agenda.
“We are actively pursuing public-private partnerships and have signed agreements with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) to accelerate the process of attracting innovative funding for players in the creative ecosystem,” Musawa said.
She also mentioned that the ministry has partnered with BigWin Philanthropy, a major international development organization, to develop a transformative job creation and industry strategy.
Musawa explained that the partnership with BigWin was particularly appealing due to its success in equipping 500,000 Rwandan youths with digital skills and creating one million sustainable jobs in Côte d’Ivoire.
She added that the ministry is implementing four key components through the BigWin partnership to create two million jobs in the creative economy.
“First, we are rolling out a job creation strategy that leverages regulatory frameworks, strategic investments, partnerships, and fiscal incentives to maximize job creation potential within the industry,” Musawa stated.
She also revealed that the ministry is exploring synergies with Nigeria’s commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) and other economic expansion initiatives to broaden Nigeria’s creative opportunities in the $3.4 billion African market.
The minister further noted ongoing collaborations with key players in the creative economy, such as the Bank of Industry (BoI), to support the sector’s growth.
“The ministry’s partnership with the BoI will be crucial in developing the creative economy by providing incentives, resources, and support to attract and retain investments in the creative industries,” she added.
Musawa also mentioned the revitalization of the National Theatre and its surrounding areas, which is enhancing the creative industry’s ecosystem and opening up opportunities in performance spaces, exhibition centers, creative hubs, and recreational centers.
“Artists, performers, and entrepreneurs are already engaging with us to explore economic opportunities at the National Theatre,” she concluded.
