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The Federal Government has set a target of increasing Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product by $100 billion through strategic investments in the creative industries.
The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, disclosed this during a press briefing in Lagos on Thursday, emphasising the administration’s commitment to leveraging the sector’s vast potential.
Musawa revealed that the government is actively working with the private sector to develop critical infrastructure, foster intellectual property monetisation, and create an enabling environment for creatives to thrive.
“Our goal is to ensure that Nigeria’s creative economy contributes significantly to national revenue. Based on global best practices and our own in-depth analysis, we are confident that this sector can add $100 billion to GDP,” she said.
According to the minister, the government has studied the creative economies of countries like South Korea, Brazil, South Africa, and Japan, identifying key policies and infrastructure investments that have driven their growth.
She noted that Nigeria has the talent and market size necessary to replicate similar success.
“We tasked BCG with analyzing countries that have maximized their creative industries, and the results were clear. By implementing structured reforms and targeted investments, we can significantly upscale Nigeria’s creative sector,” Musawa added.
Musawa also revealed the FG’s efforts to build entertainment and cultural arenas across the country, starting with Lagos and Abuja.
“The Lagos arena project is already underway and will be delivered next year. Ideally, we would love to complete it this year, but by next year, we will have a full-scale, world-class facility. Work on the Abuja arena will commence thereafter, with plans to expand to all six geopolitical zones,” she stated.
These projects, she explained, are being developed in partnership with the private sector, ensuring sustainable funding and efficient execution.
The minister reaffirmed that the Creative City project, aimed at building a dedicated ecosystem for Nigeria’s creative talents, has commenced and is expected to be fully delivered within five years.
“We are working with private sector investors to ensure that this project moves quickly. When we break ground in the coming weeks, you will see tangible progress,” she assured.
Additionally, Musawa announced plans to establish a world-class museum in Abuja, addressing Nigeria’s long-standing challenge of inadequate storage and exhibition facilities for cultural artefacts.
“It is inconceivable that the Giant of Africa lacks a major national museum in its capital. We are determined to change that and ensure our heritage is preserved and properly showcased,” she said.
Musawa also addressed concerns about the Wole Soyinka Center in Abuja, developed in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee, which has remained underutilised.
“This centre has been sitting idle for too long, and Nigeria is losing revenue because of it. I am actively engaging with the Bankers’ Committee and relevant stakeholders to ensure that it is fully operational and given the prominence it deserves,” she declared.
