Minister Musawa Urges Increased Investment In Nigeria’s Booming Creative Economy

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

THE Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has called on stakeholders to deepen investment in Nigeria’s creative sector, stressing its potential to drive inclusive growth, job creation, and global competitiveness.

Speaking at the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, Musawa revealed that Nigeria’s creative economy currently contributes 2.3% to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs over 4.2 million people across various sectors.

She noted that the industry’s remarkable progress—evident in the global success of Nollywood, the Nigerian fashion industry, and the Afrobeats music genre—underscores its potential to become a major driver of national development.

However, the Minister identified key challenges hindering growth, including limited access to funding, inadequate infrastructure, and regulatory bottlenecks. She urged financial institutions to design innovative financing instruments tailored to the unique needs of creative entrepreneurs and called for increased investment in infrastructure and capacity building.

Musawa further emphasised the importance of a supportive regulatory environment that encourages innovation, fosters creativity, and attracts both local and foreign investment.

She assured stakeholders that her ministry remains committed to implementing reforms in regulatory and policy frameworks to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s creative economy.

“Our creative industries are not just cultural assets; they are economic powerhouses capable of transforming lives and positioning Nigeria as a global creative hub,” Musawa stated.

The minister’s remarks come amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government to diversify the economy, with the creative sector identified as a critical pillar for sustainable growth.