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Tag: Hannatu Musawa

  • Video censors get permanent office

    Video censors get permanent office

    National Film and Video Censors Board  has acquired its permanent office after 28 years of waiting, but with assistance of Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, a statement by Media Aide to the minister, Nneka Anibeze, said

    She said the Director-General, Dr. Shuaibu Husseini, led his team to thank the minister for her support and recommendations, which led to allocation of the property, confiscated since 2017, to the board.

    Husseini noted the board had been waiting for 28 years to acquire its property and hoped the ministry would support renovation of the building through intervention funds.

    “Thank you, minister for your assistance and recommendations. EFCC has allocated the accommodation to us. It is one of those confiscated since 2017 or thereabout so, we expect to do some renovations. We are happy because after 28 years, we have acquired our property under your watch.

    “We also have space for the museum we yearn for. We will support your work for Renewed Hope and pledge our loyalty, support and commitment to work in line with our statutory obligations,” he said.

    Read Also: Nigeria projects $1b in trade, investment from Japan Summit

    The minister praised Husseini’s leadership and dedication, describing him as passionate and exceptional.

    She expressed delight in the board’s milestone and looked forward to continued collaboration.

    “I am happy for your doggedness and success in steering the National Film and Video Censors Board in the right direction. From the time that Mr. President appointed you, I must say that you’re exceptional, and a personification of ‘I am a Nigerian’. We are already making a huge difference with this new permanent headquarters that you have. I am proud of you and so happy to be in this journey with you because you will help me do my work and we will in turn help the president to do his work,” the minister said.

    The NFVCB plans to establish a museum within the new headquarters, which will provide a platform for showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage

  • Beyond shock: A cultural engine for growth

    Beyond shock: A cultural engine for growth

    • By Hannatu Musawa

    When the Financial Times recently declared that Nigeria “has turned a corner,” it rightly focused on the macroeconomic boldness of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms—from removing costly subsidies to restoring monetary discipline. But there’s a deeper story beneath this economic reawakening; one that is as much about identity and innovation as it is about fiscal recovery.

    A new narrative

    For years, Nigeria’s potential has been acknowledged more than it has been activated. Rich in people, creativity, and resources — yet too often restrained by structural inefficiencies and political inertia. That narrative is changing. President Tinubu’s administration is not only confronting the hard numbers — it is investing in the human soul of the nation.

    That investment is visible across every sector. In health and social welfare, for instance, the work being led by Professor Ali Pate is quietly and profoundly reshaping access to care—from expanding primary health coverage to launching the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which targets millions of vulnerable Nigerians with improved healthcare outcomes. These efforts reflect the President’s broader humanitarian commitment, even as difficult reforms are underway.

    The President’s approach is not limited to fiscal rebalancing. Alongside the removal of subsidies and liberalisation of exchange rates, he has launched a portfolio of coordinated interventions across ministries—from the 3MTT digital skills programme under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, to the MREIF housing fund, to the blue economy blueprint now activating our maritime potential. Each of these is part of a broader effort to build inclusive, long-term prosperity under the guidance of the Coordinating Minister of the Economy. My own ministry is proud to be part of this coalition of action—advancing reforms that place culture, creativity, and tourism at the heart of Nigeria’s growth story.

    The culture dividend

    The Financial Times rightly identified renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s macroeconomic direction. But even the most orthodox of fiscal reforms need a bridge to the everyday lives of citizens. That bridge is culture.

    We do so with a clear-eyed understanding of the moment. Nigerians are facing undeniable hardship. Prices are high, the wait for relief feels long, and the burden of reform weighs heavily on daily life. It is precisely in such moments of difficulty that the deepest change must be matched with the broadest inclusion. This is why the creative and tourism economy matters—not in the abstract, but because it offers something real and immediate to millions of our people: jobs, dignity, and the chance to own a part of Nigeria’s transformation.

    We have already created over 250,000 jobs in 2024 alone, supported the formation of over 20,000 new creative startups, and secured $300 million in international investment commitments, with a pathway toward mobilising $1 billion through new infrastructure and financing vehicles.

    Our work is rooted in data, strategy, and scale. The creative industries and tourism sector already contribute a combined estimated 6% to Nigeria’s GDP, valued at over N1 trillion.

    But this is just the beginning. Our job creation mapping shows that our sectors can generate a minimum of 2.5 million new jobs by 2030. We have already begun rolling out interventions that will deliver 500,000 of those jobs, and we are designing additional strategies to meet and exceed that national target.

    Through initiatives like the Creative Economy Development Fund, the Cultural Assets Monetisation Project, and the Cultural and Tourism Infrastructure Company (CTICo), we are building an ecosystem where creativity is not just celebrated — it is capitalised.

    Tourism: The $11 Trillion Opportunity Globally, tourism contributes over $11 trillion to GDP, representing nearly 10% of the world economy. Nigeria has long been absent from that table — not for lack of potential, but for lack of purpose.

    That is changing

    Under the “Nigeria Everywhere” umbrella, we will soon launch tourism-focused brand platforms that package Nigeria’s cultural and leisure assets into curated seasonal experiences. These campaigns are part of a structured strategy to bring visibility, investment, and job creation into the heart of Nigeria’s experience economy.

    We will launch Renewed Hope Cultural Villages in every state, begin the restoration of heritage sites and eco-destinations, and host the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) in Abuja—a milestone that positions Nigeria as a rising continental hub.

    Our vision is not just to attract visitors, but to inspire return—to transform heritage into hospitality, and memory into mobility. Projects like Motherland 2025 are reconnecting the Nigerian diaspora with their roots, while platforms like Nigeria Everywhere are taking our festivals, films, and fashion to global stages—from Cannes to Davos, Abu Dhabi and and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

    Read Also: Minister calls for more investment in agricultural education

    From Reform to Renaissance President Tinubu’s economic reforms over the past two years have sent a clear message to Nigerians and the world: we are serious about transformation. But economic progress must also be matched by cultural renewal. We must shape identity, project aspiration, and unlock the genius of our people.

    The reform of monetary policy must be matched by the protection of intellectual property.

    The diversification of exports must include the licensing of music, the sale of streaming rights, and the merchandising of heritage. And our commitment to infrastructure must include theatres, art spaces, and cultural institutions that reflect the full range of our national identity.

    Through programmes like the Creative Leap Accelerator, the D30 Data Platform, and our IP monetisation frameworks, we are laying the groundwork for a future where the creative economy is not the alternative — but the core.

    In under two years, we have laid the foundation for a new kind of economy—one that doesn’t just export crude oil, but exports stories, style, rhythm, heritage, and jobs. We’ve redefined culture not as ornament, but as economic infrastructure, capable of delivering inclusion, growth, and global influence.

    The real shock therapy

    The Financial Times called it “shock therapy.” But the real shock may be what happens as Nigeria backs its creativity and culture with capital, policy, and international credibility.

    Let the world not only invest in Nigeria’s oil or fintech — but in its filmmakers, artisans, fashion designers, game developers, and storytellers. Let them experience not just our reforms, but our rhythms.

    This is not a soft power play. This is economic strategy. And in a nation where over 60% of the population is under 30, it may be the smartest bet of all.

    • Musawa, is Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy
  • FG sets 500,000 new jobs target in creative sector by 2030

    FG sets 500,000 new jobs target in creative sector by 2030

    …projects $100b investment

    The newly established Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation has a projected investment of $100 billion and the potential to generate over two million jobs, the Minister of Culture, Art, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has said.

    Musawa also said the ministry has set a target of 500,000 new jobs to be created by the sector by 2030.

    Currently, the minister said that the ministry has been able to attract $300 million investment into the sector.

    She made the disclosure on Friday at the Ministerial Press Briefing, where she reeled out programmes carried out in the last eighteen months under the Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    She briefed alongside the Minister of Works, David Umahi, Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev.

    The Minister of Informational and National Orientation, Idri Mihammed, is the Coordinator of the Ministerial Press Briefing, a platform presented for the Ministers to give account of their stewardship.

    Musawa, who took a turn to address the general public on Friday, said: “In just 18 months, we have secured over $300 million in investment commitments and established innovative funding mechanisms, like the Creative Economy Development Fund. And we have created infrastructure that will generate at least 2 million jobs. And we have elevated Nigeria’s global cultural standard while also encouraging rural communities, women and youth, to participate mainly in the creative economy.”

    She further explained, “So we have established the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation, a special purpose vehicle that was approved by the National Executive Council and with the projected investment of $100 billion and potential to contribute significantly can lead to the creation of over 2 million jobs.

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    “We have already committed to 500,000 jobs. 257,754 jobs have been created in 2024 in the sector.”

    She said the information can be confirmed at the National Bureau of Statistics, and it’s an increase in employment across the full spectrum of not only the creative sector but the cultural and tourism sector as well.

    “300,000 to 557,754 in 2024. Additionally, 23,221 jobs were created in 2024 as a result of the establishment of over 20,000 new startups under the cultural and creative industries. Now, you must understand that when we talk about job creation, it’s really across the full value chain.”

    She said there has been an increase in employment across the creative, cultural, and tourism sectors.

    She stressed that this will continue to be the trend as a result of other ongoing activities like the Creatively Acceleration Programme, the Abuja Creative City, and the IP Policy that we have engaged a number of creatives in trying to build.

    “So, it’s really within the full value chain. And like I said, our target is 2 million jobs by 2027,” she added.

    The minister stressed that the idea behind the Abuja Creative City right is to create a “one-stop shop that will make Nigeria the cultural capital of not only Africa but of the world.”

    She explained that an agreement has been signed and we’ve already started.

    She also revealed that a series of agreements have been signed with some countries that have shown interest in Nigeria’s content.

    She said, “So the Nigerian Corporation Advancement and the Audiovisual Co-Production Agreements. We have signed with Brazil, South Africa, and France. And we’re talking to Morocco, India, Pakistan, Spain, Italy, and Namibia.

    “They are all interested in our content, and we are ready to work with them as long as it brings value back into Nigeria.”

    The Minister who listed funding constraints as a major challenge confronting the sector, however said the ministry has been able to raise $300million for the creative sector through creative ideas.

    “We have had to be very creative in looking at ways that we bring funding because there is no funding to support our ability to really add the infrastructure and some of the policies.

    “So Mr. President, in his vision, has really supported us to go out and be creative, and we have been able to do that by raising at least $300 million for the creative industry. And the global competition.

    “Mr President wants us to use this industry to add growth, and we have committed to increasing the GDP by $100 billion by 2030. We have secured, presently, a $200 million commitment from NEXIM Bank to accelerate the building of cultural and creative industries.”

    Musawa also said they are about to deliver an arena for concert purposes, something she said has been lacking in the country.

    She explained that the country does not have a suitable place for concerts.

    “I would be glad to tell you that we are just about to deliver an arena. As a Nigerian, if you want to watch a concert of Afrobeats, soon, with a Nigerian, you don’t have to travel outside the country to Ghana or Rwanda. Very soon we will have a global standard arena whereby your greats, your likes of Davido, and the likes of Burna Boy, and the likes of Beyonce, and the likes of Coldplay can come to the centre of creativity and the centre of Afrobeats to play.

    “We will be delivering that arena to you very, very soon. And with the data, like I said, the data is key. Some of the other projects that we have just recently finalised are the renovation of the Nigeria House in Bahia and the Renewable Arts Pavilion, which is a major milestone for a national museum here in Nigeria”.

    She further added that “The greatest black nation of the world that has all the content that everyone is interested in should not be living without a museum in its capital. So there will be a museum here in Abuja. And that project will be started within the next three months.”

    The Minister also said the government is going to build creative hubs across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

    He added, “We have already started working on three now. And soon there will be creative hubs.”

    She also said that the ministry, as part of the data initiative, D30, “is conducting a mapping that will offer an open source data infotainment and digitalisation to target setting investment prioritisation and programme design across Nigeria’s creative economy.”

    Other achievements under this administration also include: The launch of the Destination 2030, Nigeria everywhere; Motherland 2025 initiative, which is aimed at reconnecting Nigeria in the diaspora with their roots and positioning Nigeria as a global tourism hub during the festive season and beyond; Securing three UNESCO inscriptions for the Shango Festival in Oyo and the Kano-Jaro Festival in Waifu, skills and practises at the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. And we were able to do that last year, and I want to congratulate Nigerians for that. And once again, we have also secured the host of the 1968 meeting of the United Nations Tourism Commission for Africa’s Path, and this will be held in Abuja from the 11th to the 13th of June.

    “And I hope that it will be a global outing and a successful one for Nigeria. And we are also organising a cultural event of the United Nations Assembly, UNGA, for 2025,” the minister added.

    She stated further, “Our strategic partnerships, sparring government agencies, international organisations, and private sector leaders have positioned Nigeria’s tourism and creative sectors not just as an alternative to world dependency but as a vibrant, inclusive economic pillar capable of addressing our nation’s most pressing challenges. Mr. President has asked us to bring economic growth. He has asked us to create jobs. He has asked us to reposition Nigeria. And I can tell you that is exactly what the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy is doing.”

  • Blue economy key to Nigeria’s economic growth through marine tourism – Minister

    Blue economy key to Nigeria’s economic growth through marine tourism – Minister

    The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has identified the blue economy as a significant avenue for Nigeria’s economic transformation, particularly through marine tourism.

    Musawa stated that sustainable tourism development along the nation’s coastal areas has the potential to attract investment, generate employment, and highlight Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage—positioning the country as a top eco-tourism destination in Africa and globally.

    She made the remarks in a keynote address delivered at a seminar on the Development of National Blue Economy and Coastal Biodiversity in Tourism, which convened stakeholders, experts, and policymakers to explore sustainable strategies for utilizing marine and coastal resources.

    Represented by Mr. Sunday Mkpejie Bisong, Assistant Director in charge of Domestic Tourism Promotion, the minister noted that Nigeria is richly endowed with a vast coastline, abundant marine biodiversity, and dynamic coastal communities, which if properly harnessed, can drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

    She said: “Nigeria, as a nation blessed with an extensive coastline, rich marine biodiversity, and vibrant coastal communities, stands to benefit significantly from a well-structured blue economy. 

    “As we seek to diversify our economy beyond oil and gas, the blue economy presents enormous opportunities for economic transformation, particularly in sectors such as marine tourism, fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transportation, and renewable energy. 

    “Sustainable tourism development within our coastal areas can drive investment, create jobs, and showcase our rich cultural heritage, positioning Nigeria as a leading destination for eco-tourism in Africa and beyond.

    “Our coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, coral reefs, estuaries, and beaches, serve as vital habitats for marine species and are essential for the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians. Preserving this biodiversity is not just an environmental necessity; it is also an economic imperative. 

    “A thriving marine environment enhances the tourism experience, attracting both local and international visitors who seek pristine beaches, water-based recreational activities, and cultural interactions with indigenous coastal communities.”

    While lamenting the impact of degradation of the ecosystem on the blue economy, the Minister stressed that the country stands to benefit significantly from a well-structured blue economy.

    Musawa explained that the sure way forward is for adoption of a holistic approach to conservation and sustainable tourism development, integrating policies that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.

    She said, “The degradation of these ecosystems due to pollution, climate change, and unsustainable fishing practices poses a serious threat to their economic and ecological value. 

    “It is therefore imperative that we adopt a holistic approach to conservation and sustainable tourism development, integrating policies that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.”

    The minister also gave the assurance that the ministry in collaboration with other relevant ministries and agencies, “is committed to harnessing the full potential of the blue economy while safeguarding our coastal biodiversity. “

    She also noted that now is the time to act, saying, “Distinguished guests, the blue economy and coastal biodiversity are not just policy concepts but lifelines for sustainable economic growth, environmental preservation, and tourism development. 

    “The time to act is now. We must work collectively—government, private sector, academia, and civil society—to unlock the potential of our marine resources in a way that benefits our economy while protecting the environment for future generations.

    “Let this seminar serve as a platform for meaningful discussions, innovative solutions, and collaborative partnerships that will drive Nigeria’s blue economy forward. I encourage all stakeholders to take actionable steps towards implementing sustainable tourism practices that respect and preserve our coastal biodiversity.”

    Read Also: Minister Musawa mourns passing of Pope Francis

    In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary Mrs. Akudo-Nwosu said the seminar represented a collective effort towards unlocking the country’s coastal and marine resources. 

    The Permanent Secretary who was represented by Mr. Tony Ukpoju, Assistant Director, said, “Today’s gathering marks a significant step in our collective efforts to unlock the immense potentials of Nigeria’s coastal and marine resources, while ensuring the sustainability of our rich biodiversity. 

    “The Blue Economy represents a frontier of economic opportunity—encompassing tourism, fisheries, marine transport, and renewable energy—offering avenues for inclusive growth, job creation, and environmental conservation.

    “As a nation endowed with an extensive coastline and vibrant coastal communities, it is imperative that we strategically position tourism as a key driver in the Blue Economy framework. Our coastal biodiversity is not only a natural treasure but also a catalyst for cultural expression, eco-tourism, and heritage preservation.”

  • Ministry projects $100b contribution to GDP, 2m jobs, others in 2030

    Ministry projects $100b contribution to GDP, 2m jobs, others in 2030

    The Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa has hinted of plans by her ministry to boost the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) with a princely sum of $100billion by 2030.

    Besides, she said part of the plan also includes creating two million jobs for Nigeria’s teeming youth population within the same period.

    She dropped this hint during a media briefing in Lagos where she reeled out the activities and proposed action plans of the ministry.

    Musawa, who was in the company of some of her aides including her Principal Adviser, Faiz Imam, Prince Baba Agba, and others, shed light on the numerous projects being undergone by her ministry since her ascendancy these past months.

    “I am pleased to announce that our ministry is now at the implementation stage. We have laid the necessary foundations and are ready to roll out strategic initiatives that will significantly contribute to the industry’s growth. We have achieved notable milestones in advancing Nigeria’s economic diversification and tourism sector. Our vision is to build an integrated, data-driven, and investment-friendly ecosystem that unlocks the vast opportunities within this industry,” she said, adding, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu mandated me to take all necessary steps to ensure that industry players receive the support they need to grow and thrive.”

    The federal government is working toward launching the D-30 Platform, a centralised database designed to map the industry landscape and provide forward-looking insights.

    Read Also: NASENI holds workshop to promote made-in-Nigeria products

    “Its key features include infrastructure audit, a tool to guide public-private partnerships and targeted investments. Industry Forecasts: Providing data-driven insights to help industry players and investors make informed decisions. One of the biggest challenges for industry stakeholders and investors is the lack of reliable data on where to invest, noting that the D-30 platform will bridge this gap by ensuring clear, data-driven assumptions that incorporate planned investments, forthcoming policy reforms, and key infrastructure developments. These insights will be transparently shared on the platform to guide investors, highlight the government’s proactive role, and support our Destination 2030 goal of creating 2 million jobs in the creative and tourism sectors.”

    According to her, “One of our core mandates is to have a cultural expansion- to make Nigeria the cultural and creative hub, not only of Africa, of the world, like I said, leveraging on the great strides that Nigerian creatives have already done, but also to have an economic expansion. We are part of the economic team, and what we have done in the ministry is we have committed ourselves to contributing at least $100 billion to expand the GDP by 2030.

    “We’ve been able to do that by working with the likes of BCG- Boston Consulting Group, some of the best minds in the world. We have sat down on a table and we’ve said to them, we have to contribute effectively to increasing the GDP. Everything that we talk about is really about the economy. And the issue about the economy and how to make the economy very strong in Nigeria is very important and personal to the president.”

  • Culture minister celebrates Adetshina’s feat at Miss Universe pageant

    Culture minister celebrates Adetshina’s feat at Miss Universe pageant

    Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, has congratulated Nigeria’s Chidinma Adetshina on her outstanding achievement as the first runner-up of the 2024 Miss Universe pageant.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister conveyed her congratulatory message in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

    The grand finale of the 2024 Miss Universe was held on Sunday at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, with Adetshina finishing second while Miss Denmark, Victoria Theilvig, clinched the highly coveted crown.

    The first runner-up, who is the highest ranked African contestant of the competition, was also crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, making it the continent’s highest placement in Miss Universe history.

    As first runner-up, Adetshina won a 100,000 dollars cash prize, a one-year lease on a luxury apartment in New York, a three million diamond-encrusted crown, connections and contacts to start a successful career in modelling and showbiz.

    Her historic feat has continued to attract accolades and goodwill messages from Nigerians from all walks of life, including the culture minister.

    Musawa described Chidinma’s remarkable feat as a testament to her dedication, resilience and passion for excellence.

    According to her, Adetshina’s accomplishment not only brings pride to Nigeria but also inspires a generation of young women to strive for greatness.

    “Chidinma’s achievement is a shining example of the creative and innovative spirit that defines our nation, as she was focused and never gave up in her days of trial.

    “We are proud to celebrate her success and tenacity, and we recognise the impact she has made on the global stage.

    Read Also: Miss Universe 2024: Abike Dabiri-Erewa congratulates Chidimma Adetshina on achievement

    “Her commitment to empowering women and girls through education and advocacy aligns with our ministry’s vision for a vibrant and inclusive creative economy,” she said.

    Minister Musawa also commended Chidinma for her exceptional representation of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage on the global stage.

    She said that Adetshina’s cultural performance at the event served as a catalyst for promoting tourism, cultural exchange, and international cooperation.

    “Chidinma is a shining star and Nigeria’s pride. Nigerians are proud to celebrate her success and recognise the impact that she has made on the global stage.

    “As we celebrate Chidinma’s success, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting and empowering creative talents, particularly women, to excel in their chosen fields”, Musawa said.

    (NAN) 

  • Ministry of culture, tourism hold retreat for management staff

    Ministry of culture, tourism hold retreat for management staff

    The Ministry of Culture, Art and Creative Economy, and the Ministry of Tourism have organised a retreat for their management staff as part of the efforts to improve the implementation of programmes and policies in the ministries.

    The joint retreat has themes: Strategic Communication, Collaboration, Organisation Productivity, and Excellent schedule.

    The joint retreat was part of the efforts to reposition the ministries to deliver on their mandates and also contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

    The Minister of Culture, Art and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa said both ministries have developed structures but needed to address the challenge of implementation.  

    She, therefore, stressed the need to work in a cohesive manner and also synergise towards achieving President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    She said: “We need to work cohesively. We need to have synergies. However, I think in terms of implementation of that intention, we have not been able to do that.

    “So thank you for being able to recognise this. That was my ministry, and I know the Ministry of Tourism as well. We have done a lot of hard work in terms of trying to put that structure together.

    “Now we’re at the point of activation and implementation. So it is the right time for us to ensure that as we go along with this implementation, we do it in a way that carries everyone along to ensure that we go along with this implementation.”

    She also discussed that the Ministry is doing everything possible to source for funding for most of the projects outside the budget provision.

    “I’m working to ensure that the budget of my ministry, at least, and the way it’s set up in the ministry, is harmonized, that will reflect the responsibility and the expectations that we’re hearing.

    “And I’m working very hard, I promise you. When the envelope comes out, we’re going to be unhappy. And then, the other thing I’m doing in my ministry, and I know with the tourism as well, we’re looking outside.

    Read Also: Ministry, ICRC, BPE partner on port concessioning

    “We’re looking for investment coming in from outside. As you know, it has been announced that my ministry has been able to secure $200 million from AFRIXM Bank to invest in the tourism industry. Now, that money is coming straight in.

    “And we’re looking beyond that. I was at UNGA, and UNGA, I spoke to the Saudi government, the UAE government, and the Qatar government, who are all interested in coming and investing in the infrastructure that will set up culture and creative arts and creative industry, and part of tourism as well. So, you know, I have to look ahead, and I want you, also, with me, to see this vision ahead.

    “We need to see the vision ahead. We need to add value to this ministry, to this industry.”

    She stressed that the creative industry is more than crude oil as it provides opportunities to all communities.

    She said: “You know, they say it’s the new oil, but it’s more than the new oil because not everybody in Nigerian villages can access that oil resource, but everybody in every single village in Nigeria can benefit from culture and creativity because they can even create content on their phone, and that’s a huge resource.

    “So, these are part of the structures and the policies that we’re trying to put in place. So, by the time we show governments and we show international investors the justification of investing in culture, creativity, tourism, I’m telling you, by the next cycle of the election, everybody’s going to be, every politician is going to be lobbying to be a minister in this ministry or the Ministry of Tourism.

    “So, I need you to work with me to look ahead, and the only way we can look ahead, especially from my ministry, with the paltry revenue or budget that we were given, those line items have to be used productively to activate the certain programs needed for us to make that justification.

    “If we use a line item just to go for an event, and we’re just going for an event and sitting down at the event, then there’s another event whereby when you go into that event, you go there and you’re able to make a deal and bring that value back. Then, you know, one has to weigh what is more important.

    “Every single thing that I’m going to do for my ministry, there has to be a justification as to the worth of it being more valuable.”

    She therefore urged the management staff and Heads of Departments and agencies to be freely approached as she is open to them all.

  • Culture, Tourism ministries eye huge foreign investment

    Culture, Tourism ministries eye huge foreign investment

    •Hold retreat for management workers

    The Ministry of Culture, Art and Creative Economy, and its Tourism counterpart have said they expect Nigerians in the Diaspora to investment in the sectors.

    Culture, Art and Creative Economy Minister Hannatu Musawa announced this at the weekend at the opening ceremony of a retreat for top management workers and heads of agencies of both ministries.

    The joint retreat, with the theme: Strategic Communication, Collaboration, Organisation Productivity and Excellent Schedule, was part of efforts to reposition the ministries to deliver on their mandates and contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    Musawa said both ministries had developed structures needed to address implementation challenges.  

    The minister said there was a need for both ministries to work together and synergise towards achieving President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    She said: “We need to work in a cohesive manner. We need to have synergies. However, I think in terms of implementation of that intention, we have not been able to do that.

    “Thank you for being able to recognise this… We have done a lot of hard work in terms of trying to put that structure together. We’re at the point of activation and implementation.

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    “It is the right time for us to ensure that as we go along with this implementation, we do it in a way that carries everyone along to ensure that we go along with this implementation.”

    Musawa also announced that the ministry was sourcing for funds for most of the projects outside its budget provision.

    “I’m working to ensure that the budget of my ministry – at least, and the way it’s set up in the ministry – is harmonised. That will reflect the responsibility and the expectations that we’re hearing.

    “I’m working very hard; I promise you… The other thing I’m doing in my ministry – and I know with the Tourism Ministry as well – we’re looking outside. We’re looking for investment coming in from outside.

    “As you would know, it has been announced that my ministry has been able to secure $200 million from AFRIXM Bank to invest in the tourism industry. Now, that money is coming straight in.