The Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa-Musawa, has expressed optimism that the industry can contribute at least $100 billion to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030.
In an interview, Musa-Musawa highlighted the eight-point agenda of her ministry, which includes policy framework, stakeholder engagement, strategic partnerships, infrastructure development, promotion of cultural heritage, skill acquisition, job creation, and international collaborations.
She emphasized the need for a policy framework that addresses the peculiar needs of the industry, noting that the ministry is working on an intellectual property policy that will protect creatives and encourage investment in the sector.
Musa-Musawa also stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement, saying that the ministry is working closely with industry players to ensure that their inputs are captured in the policies.
The minister further revealed that the ministry is partnering with the private sector to develop infrastructure, such as cinemas and museums, to support the growth of the industry. She also expressed her commitment to promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage, saying that the ministry is working on a cultural policy that will preserve and promote the country’s diverse cultural expressions.
On job creation, Musa-Musawa said that the ministry hopes to create at least 2 million jobs by 2027, particularly in the creative industry.
She noted that the ministry is working with agencies and industry players to achieve this goal.
When asked about the challenges facing the industry, Musa-Musawa acknowledged that the industry has grown lethargic due to past disappointments with government promises.
However, she expressed optimism that the current administration is committed to delivering on its promises and creating an enabling environment for the industry to thrive.
Overall, Musa-Musawa’s vision for the arts, culture, and creative economy is ambitious, but achievable. With the right policies, infrastructure, and partnerships in place, Nigeria’s creative industry can become a significant contributor to the country’s GDP and a source of pride for Nigerians.