Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has urged greater investment in the nation’s creative sector, describing it as a catalyst for inclusive growth, job creation, and global recognition.
Speaking at the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, Musawa said the creative economy currently contributes 2.3% to Nigeria’s GDP and employs more than 4.2 million people. She noted that Nollywood, Afrobeats, and the fashion industry have already placed Nigeria on the global stage, but stressed that the sector’s full potential remains untapped.
“To unlock this potential, we must create an environment that attracts both local and international investors. This goes beyond finance — it requires a transparent, accountable, and business-friendly regulatory framework,” she said.
The Minister identified funding gaps, weak infrastructure, and policy hurdles as pressing challenges. She urged banks and investors to design financial instruments tailored to the needs of creative businesses while calling for stronger support in infrastructure and skills development.
Musawa pledged that her ministry will continue pushing reforms to build a robust creative ecosystem that fosters innovation. “Together, we can shape a future where creativity and innovation drive sustainable economic growth and cultural prosperity for Nigeria,” she added.
The summit session, themed “Building Productive Sectors: Investing in the Creative Economy,” brought together investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to explore strategies for scaling Nigeria’s creative industries into a major driver of national development.