The Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq., has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap to reposition Nigeria’s creative economy and tourism sectors as global drivers of growth, job creation, and cultural influence.
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Ministerial and Sectoral Retreat held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, Musawa identified critical bottlenecks including limited access to funding, inadequate infrastructure, piracy, insecurity, and insufficient data on job creation.
She announced a set of strategic interventions to address the gaps in investment in modern film studios, digital infrastructure, and global distribution networks, stronger copyright and intellectual property protections, establishment of fashion incubation centres and creative hubs, enhancement of heritage sites and museums and a new emphasis on data-driven policy and job creation targets.
Special Adviser, Media & Publicity Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement quoted Musawa thus,
“Nigeria has the talent, the heritage, and the global demand. What we need now is focus and execution,” Musawa declared. “Our reforms will unlock opportunities, diversify the economy, and cement Nigeria’s place as Africa’s creative and tourism powerhouse.”
The Minister stressed that digital innovation and Nigeria’s cultural richness place the country in a unique position to lead Africa’s creative surge and expand its soft power globally.
Earlier, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, MFR, mni, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, described the retreat as “a pivotal moment” to align strategies with the Renewed Hope Agenda. He emphasized the need for stronger inter-agency coordination, legislative reforms, and a performance-driven framework to transform the sectors into engines of growth and diplomacy.
The retreat, which continues through August 21, 2025, attracted goodwill messages from the Chairman House Committee on Tourism, representatives of the Senate Committee on Tourism, the UNDP Country Representative, and senior government officials. Participants included heads of agencies, directors, and special advisers.
The event sets the stage for the Ministry’s 2026–2030 Multi-Sectoral Strategic Plan, which aims to harness Nigeria’s creative and tourism assets for exponential economic growth, youth empowerment, and global recognition.