The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy has showcased major strides in Nigeria’s creative sector, marking a turning point in the nation’s pursuit of sustainable development and global recognition through cultural innovation. At the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series held at the National Press Centre in Abuja, the Honourable Minister, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq., presented a comprehensive report on the Ministry’s achievements since the commencement of her tenure less than 18 months ago.
Musawa highlighted how the Ministry, guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda, is transitioning from cultural preservation to economic empowerment, positioning the arts, tourism, and creative industries as central to job creation, national pride, and economic growth. One of the Ministry’s landmark initiatives, the D30 Data Initiative, is mapping the creative economy to inform data-driven policies. Preliminary findings from the project have already identified five major value chains within the music industry alone, revealing the potential to generate over 500,000 jobs by 2030. The full report is set for publication by June 2025.
In a bid to modernize the regulatory framework and promote inclusive financing, the Ministry has introduced several key policy reforms. These include a new National Policy on Intellectual Property Rights, the establishment of the Creative Economy Development Fund, and the review of the 1988 Cultural Policy and the 2005 Tourism Policy. The National Film and Video Censors Board is also being repositioned from a censorship body to one focused on content classification, while new monetization and credit-access policies are being implemented to support creative practitioners across the country.
The Ministry’s international cultural diplomacy efforts have significantly elevated Nigeria’s global image. Under the “Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere” campaign launched at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Nigeria climbed 14 points in the global soft power index. This progress has been bolstered by the country’s active participation in renowned international events such as the Cannes Film Festival and the Venice Biennale, and by recent recognitions from UNESCO and ICESCO for major cultural festivals like the Sango Festival and the Kano Durbar.
Investment in the creative economy has also seen a major boost, with the Ministry securing a \$200 million funding package from the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM). This funding is now available through the Creative Economy Development Fund in the form of grants, equity, and debt. Partnerships with institutions such as the Ministry of Finance Incorporated and the Federal Inland Revenue Service are helping to monetize creative assets and stimulate economic growth.
The Ministry’s infrastructure development strategy received a significant lift with the approval of the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation and a ₦100 billion investment plan projected to create over two million jobs. Key projects under this initiative include the Abuja Creative City, the renovation of cultural villages and museums across the country, and the development of a Digital Museum Project in collaboration with IHS Nigeria and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments. Additionally, France has expanded its concessionary financing support from €35 million to €100 million, further strengthening Nigeria’s creative infrastructure.
Minister Musawa also emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to inclusive collaboration, highlighting strategic partnerships with corporate organizations such as MTN and Chocolate City, as well as bilateral cultural agreements with Brazil, France, and the United Arab Emirates. The Renewed Hope Cultural Project is also engaging traditional institutions and state governments to drive cultural revival at the grassroots.
Other milestones include ongoing film co-productions with countries like France and South Africa, Nigeria’s preparation to host the 68th United Nations Tourism Commission for Africa in June 2025, and the rollout of empowerment programs targeting youth and women. Initiatives promoting intergenerational knowledge transfer and cultural education are also contributing to the strengthening of national identity.
While acknowledging challenges such as inadequate infrastructure at tourism sites, fragmented markets, and stiff global competition, the Honourable Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s determination to overcome these hurdles through continued innovation, investment, and strategic partnerships. As Nigeria redefines the role of culture from a historical legacy to a catalyst for future prosperity, the Ministry’s bold initiatives reflect a clear shift from vision to tangible impact.