The Federal Government has launched an ambitious $100 billion plan aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s creative economy, targeting the creation of over two million jobs each year. The comprehensive strategy was revealed by Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, during an investor roundtable in Lagos.
Musawa introduced the government’s eight-point plan, designed to harness the untapped potential of Nigeria’s creative industries. This strategy focuses on eight key areas: establishing a unified national initiative to elevate the arts, culture, and creative sectors; enhancing the skills of Nigerian creatives through specialized training programs; and implementing supportive policies to promote industry growth.
The plan also includes strengthening governance and collaboration among stakeholders, forming strategic partnerships to drive innovation, setting ambitious goals to increase the sector’s GDP contribution, fostering a conducive business environment, and ensuring the preservation and promotion of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
Currently, Nigeria’s creative industry contributes just $5 billion annually to the economy, which accounted for only 1.2% of GDP in 2022. This is relatively low compared to countries like Morocco (2.7%), South Africa (3.0%), and Egypt (4.3%). Furthermore, the sector’s contribution to government revenue in Nigeria is significantly less than South Africa’s, where it is 12.5%.
To address these challenges, Musawa outlined 14 key initiatives under four main pillars. She projected a 400% growth in the creative economy by 2027, establishing it as a major contributor to Nigeria’s economic development. Current projects, such as the Creative Leap Acceleration Program, CultRise, and Origins, are focused on infrastructure development and data management.
Planned infrastructure developments include the Digital & Immersive Art Centre, the Renewed Hope Creative City at the Wole Soyinka Centre, an Arts Village in Abuja, and Creative Hubs in all 36 states of Nigeria.
To facilitate job creation, the Ministry has partnered with BigWin Philanthropy to launch a capacity-building and job creation strategy. The roundtable also featured a panel discussion with notable figures, including Obi Azika, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture; Faiz Imam, Principal Adviser to the Minister; and Aliyu Nuhu, Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation.
This strategic plan marks a significant move toward realizing the full potential of Nigeria’s creative sector, driving economic growth, and fostering a vibrant and sustainable industry.
