Minister Musawa Inaugurates Four Committees to Build Nigeria’s Creative Economy Infrastructure

Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa (Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy)

 The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, has inaugurated four drafting committees: Policy and Strategy, Programmes and Implementation, Stakeholder Engagement, and Monitoring and Evaluation. These committees are tasked with designing the policy and financing frameworks necessary to support Nigeria’s arts, culture, tourism, and creative sectors.

During the inauguration on Tuesday in Abuja, Musawa noted that while the creative sector attracts global attention, it currently contributes only about 2.3% to the national GDP. She identified fragmented governance, weak intellectual property enforcement, and limited financing as the primary obstacles to its growth.

The Minister emphasized that under President Tinubu’s "Renewed Hope" agenda, the ministry is pursuing two major targets by 2030: adding ₦100 billion to the national GDP and creating two million jobs for young Nigerians.

“You are charged with reviewing our existing institutional architecture and proposing a coherent governance framework that eliminates fragmentation, clarifies responsibilities, and positions the creative economy as a pillar of national development. The creatives, entrepreneurs, and young Nigerians who depend on this sector deserve no less than your very best” She urged the members to treat their work as a vital part of nation-building rather than just empty talk.

Each committee is required to submit its terms of reference and a 90-day work plan by April 21, 2026, which will be followed by quarterly public briefings. The Minister expressed her gratitude to partners such as the NESG, UNESCO, and UNDP for providing technical support.

In his remarks, Dr. Ikenna Nwosu, the CEO of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, welcomed the initiative, stating that the creative economy represents more than just a cultural asset.

“The Creative Economy is a powerful economic frontier. Across the world, nations are leveraging their creative industries to drive innovation, create jobs, expand exports, and strengthen their global influence. Nigeria, with its immense talent, rich heritage, and global cultural footprint, is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation on the African continent.

“These committees are not just advisory bodies; they are engines of reform and innovation. They are tasked with developing practical, evidence-based work plans that will shape policy, unlock investments, and drive implementation,” Dr Nwosu said.