Creative sector needs bold funding, policy reforms — Musawa tells entertainment stakeholders
By Matthew Denis, Abuja
The Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has urged stakeholders in Nigeria’s entertainment industry to collectively pursue innovative models for funding creative enterprises, particularly by embracing digital technologies and refining legal and regulatory systems to support entrepreneurs.
Musawa made this known during the second edition of the Nigerian Entertainment and Economic Roundtable held in Abuja on Thursday. She commended the organisers, AFROCULTOUR, for creating a platform that facilitates dialogue, policy discussions, and investment opportunities across the dynamic fields of arts, culture, tourism, and the broader creative economy.
Represented by the Director of Tourism and Culture in the ministry, Musawa described the initiative as timely and relevant, adding that such efforts contribute to sustainable development and unlock opportunities critical to Nigeria’s economic diversification goals.
“We must also focus on skills development, the protection of intellectual property, and greater access to international markets to safeguard the long-term viability and competitiveness of Nigeria’s creative economy,” she said.
The summit, themed CULTOUR: Unlocking Possibilities and Locating Pathways to Rapid Economic Diversification, was, according to the Minister, both strategic and well-timed. She noted that it draws attention to the untapped potential in Nigeria’s cultural, tourism, and creative sectors and reaffirms their importance as economic drivers in a global context where innovation, creativity, and the preservation of heritage are essential to inclusive growth.
“Nigeria boasts an extraordinary cultural legacy, dynamic artistic expressions, and a burgeoning creative industry that continues to gain international acclaim,” she stated.
“From Nollywood to Afrobeats, fashion, literature, and tourism, our creative ecosystem has consistently shown its power to generate income, create jobs, and showcase Nigeria’s identity on the global stage.
“However, to unlock the full extent of these possibilities, we need a purposeful and structured framework for policymaking, investment promotion, and strategic partnerships between government and private actors.”
She added that the roundtable was an important venue for shaping the future of the tourism, culture, and creative economy sectors into substantial contributors to national development.
“In alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, this government remains dedicated to fostering an environment that supports the expansion of the creative industry, through targeted policies and collaborative efforts with sector stakeholders,” the Minister noted.
Also speaking at the event, the Convener and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Entertainment and Economic Roundtable, Chuks Akamadu, underlined the pivotal role of tourism and entertainment in national economic development.
He urged the government to give priority attention to the sector, stressing that it contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of any thriving economy.
