Art & Culture Minister Musawa speaks on 8-point agenda

Nigeria's Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has revealed the Ministry's ambitious 8-point agenda aimed at accelerating the implementation of Nigeria Destination 2030. This national initiative seeks to position Nigeria as Africa's creative capital, leveraging Public-Private Partnerships for job creation and investment flows into the creative sector. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Minister Musawa highlighted key aspects of the agenda, emphasizing the importance of empowering the youth, providing skills development, and fast-tracking policy frameworks to drive growth in the arts and culture industry. Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Amitinabu, the Ministry aims to foster a renewed sense of hope and pride in Nigeria's rich cultural heritage. Minister Musawa stressed the need to create an enabling business environment supported by digital transformation. One of the top priorities of the Ministry is the preservation of Nigeria's cultural artifacts, ensuring that the country's heritage is safeguarded for future generations. When asked about the short-term impact areas for the Ministry, Minister Musawa highlighted the global interest in Nigerian creativity and culture. She expressed optimism about tapping into existing opportunities on the world stage and cultivating the Nigerian entertainment industry on a global scale. The Ministry plans to focus on low-hanging fruits and leverage Nigeria's cultural exports to drive economic growth and increase the country's global influence. Regarding partnerships, Minister Musawa announced the establishment of the Creative Economy Advisory Council, which will play a crucial role in realizing the goals of the 2030 initiative. The Council will collaborate with stakeholders from various sectors to support the Ministry in achieving its strategic objectives. By fostering partnerships and fostering collaboration, the Ministry aims to build a sustainable ecosystem for the creative industry in Nigeria. Reflecting on the challenges facing the industry, Minister Musawa emphasized the need to maximize the economic potential of Nigerian culture and creativity. While acknowledging the global recognition of Nigerian talent, she underscored the importance of ensuring that the country benefits economically from its creative output. The Minister's goal is to develop strategies that will not only contribute to Nigeria's GDP but also foster inclusive growth that benefits all citizens. In terms of job creation, Minister Musawa outlined a multifaceted approach that includes establishing creative hubs, training academies, and funding opportunities for creators. By providing support to emerging talents and promoting the integration of art and culture on digital platforms, the Ministry aims to unlock new revenue streams and create millions of jobs. Through initiatives such as creative hubs, incubators, and startup support programs, the Ministry seeks to provide a conducive environment for business growth and innovation. As Minister Musawa continues to drive forward the Ministry's 8-point agenda, stakeholders in the arts, culture, and creative economy sectors can look forward to a future filled with opportunities for growth, collaboration, and prosperity. With a strong focus on empowerment, partnership building, and economic development, the Ministry is poised to position Nigeria as a hub of creativity and innovation on the African continent.