The Nigerian government has introduced a comprehensive new roadmap aimed at revitalizing the nation’s cultural heritage and spurring economic diversification. This announcement was made by the Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, during the launch of the 54th edition of the Art, Culture, and Creative Economy Summit in Abuja, the country’s capital.
With the theme “Harnessing the Power of Creativity for Economic Growth,” the summit was organized by the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy in collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Group Summit. Musawa emphasized that the initiative underscores the significant potential of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and creative industries as key drivers of national development, job creation, and economic expansion.
The Minister highlighted the critical role of the creative economy, which includes the arts, culture, and creative sectors, in generating employment, particularly for young people. Musawa pointed out that this sector not only provides job opportunities but also plays a vital role in addressing issues such as insecurity. The new roadmap aims to promote youth participation in nation-building, encourage regional collaboration, and harness the creative energies of the younger generation, thereby fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the cultural sector.
Describing the initiative as a legacy project, Musawa stressed its importance for the industry and future generations. She noted the challenges posed by the lack of continuity in government policies, which often hinders long-term progress. However, by fostering cooperation between the federal and state governments, the roadmap seeks to create a lasting legacy for Nigeria’s culture and creative industries, similar to the sustained efforts seen in Lagos since 1999.
Musawa also discussed the upcoming introduction of an Intellectual Properties (IP) Policy, set to be unveiled by the government within three weeks. This policy aims to promote national unity and encourage appreciation for Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage. The Minister expressed confidence that the IP policy would provide the necessary security and confidence for stakeholders and investors in the creative sector, thereby attracting more investment to Nigeria.
Further emphasizing Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, natural resources, and human capital, Musawa acknowledged the lack of comprehensive understanding among many Nigerians about the country’s unique attributes due to limited exposure to its diverse regions. The new project seeks to bridge this gap by creating platforms for engagement, education, and cultural exchange.
Representing commissioners from the 36 states of Nigeria, Professor Bakare Rasaki, Commissioner of Culture from Ekiti State, called on state governments to prioritize cultural heritage to ensure the success of the project. Rasaki emphasized that the sector’s success depends on the active involvement of industry players who make their living within the cultural and creative sectors.
By highlighting local businesses, artisans, and industries across Nigeria, the project aims to attract investments, promote tourism, and drive economic growth. Additionally, it seeks to bridge ethnic and regional divides by fostering dialogue and understanding among Nigeria’s diverse communities, thereby promoting national unity and creating a conducive environment for economic activities to thrive.
This project represents the Minister’s commitment to leveraging the creative economy as a powerful tool for job creation and economic growth, aligning with Nigeria’s broader development goals.