In a bold move aimed at revolutionising Nigeria’s creative sector, the Federal Government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to generate $100 billion annually and create over two million jobs within the industry. The announcement was made by the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, during a roundtable discussion with local and international investors on Wednesday.
Musawa highlighted the significant potential of Nigeria’s creative economy, which, despite its promise, currently contributes only $5 billion to the nation’s GDP. She emphasized the government’s commitment to harnessing this potential to drive economic growth and job creation.
“Nigeria’s creative industry, spanning music, visual media, visual arts, culinary arts, fashion, and more, has enormous untapped potential,” Musawa said. “Our plan aims to transform this sector into a powerhouse of economic growth and job creation.”
The Minister presented a detailed roadmap, outlining 14 key initiatives designed to propel the industry forward. These initiatives are grouped under four main pillars: Technology, Infrastructure and Funding, International Culture Promotion, and Intellectual Property Monetization.
Under the Technology pillar, the government plans to launch a digital content creation tool accessibility program. This initiative aims to provide improved and discounted digital tools to Nigerian creatives, enhancing their ability to produce high-quality content. Additionally, the Ministry will introduce the Nigeria Content Distribution Initiative to boost the nationwide adoption of digital tools for content distribution.
Another key component is a study to estimate the size of Nigeria’s creative industry and develop a framework for future market sizing. Expanding internet accessibility in underserved regions is also a priority, ensuring that more areas benefit from digital advancements.
For Infrastructure and Funding, the plan includes cataloguing existing infrastructure for the Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy and assessing its current state. The government intends to develop the necessary infrastructure, leverage public-private partnerships for funding, and provide incentives to stakeholders. A creative accelerator program will also be launched to offer capital and capacity-building support to creative companies.
In terms of International Culture Promotion, the Ministry will establish a culture promotion office to collaborate with Nigerian embassies abroad. This office will promote Nigerian arts, culture, and creative output on a global scale. The government will also leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost the export of Nigerian creative products regionally and globally.
For Intellectual Property Monetization, the Ministry aims to establish globally standardized Collection Management Organizations (CMOs) for various sectors. A Copyright Oversight Initiative in partnership with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will be introduced to enhance tracking, monitoring, and enforcement of copyright standards. This includes ensuring that CMOs adhere to international standards set by the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC).
Musawa is optimistic about the future of Nigeria’s creative economy, projecting a 400% growth by 2027. “This sector is poised for extraordinary expansion,” she said. “With the right investments and strategic initiatives, we can achieve our vision of a thriving creative economy that significantly contributes to national development.”
To support the job creation goals, the Ministry has partnered with BigWin Philanthropy, a prominent international development partner. This collaboration will focus on a transformative capacity-building and job creation strategy, aiming to equip individuals with the skills and opportunities needed to excel in the creative industry.
