Minister Hannatu Musawa Urges Greater Investment in Nigeria’s Creative Economy

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has called for increased investment in Nigeria’s growing creative sector, emphasizing its potential to drive inclusive growth, job creation, and global competitiveness.

Speaking at the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, Musawa said the creative economy already contributes approximately 2.3% to the national GDP and provides employment for over 4.2 million Nigerians across multiple industries, including film, music, fashion, and the arts.

“Our creative economy is not just an entertainment sector—it’s a growth engine with immense potential to transform Nigeria’s image and economy,” she stated.

The minister praised the international success of Nollywood, the Nigerian fashion industry, and the Afrobeats music genre, describing them as shining examples of the country’s cultural and economic potential.

However, she noted that the sector continues to face challenges such as limited access to funding, inadequate infrastructure, and regulatory bottlenecks, which have constrained its expansion.

“We need financial institutions to develop tailored funding instruments that suit the unique needs of creatives,” Musawa urged. “Investments in infrastructure and skills development will ensure our talents can compete globally.”

Musawa also highlighted the ministry’s commitment to creating a supportive regulatory environment that fosters innovation and creativity, assuring stakeholders that ongoing reforms would remove barriers and enhance collaboration between the private sector and government.

“We are working to strengthen the policy and institutional framework that supports the creative industries,” she said. “Nigeria’s cultural and creative assets must become a central pillar of our national development strategy.”

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