Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has expressed the ministry’s commitment to contributing about $100 billion to the nation’s economic growth by 2030, provided that an enabling environment is created for the sector to thrive.
The Minister stated this while outlining the ministry’s ambitious plans shortly after presenting the 2025 budget proposal to the Senate Committee on Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, chaired by Senator Muhammad Ogoshi.
Hannatu Musawa believes that this can be achieved through reforms to the existing laws establishing the ministry, infrastructural development, and strategic partnerships with National Assembly committees and key stakeholders in the tourism, music, and film industries.
She emphasized that these sectors have the potential to drive economic growth and create millions of jobs in Nigeria, given the large number of participants, most of whom are Nigerians.
The Minister explained that part of the ministry’s strategy focuses on creating a conducive environment for the sector to grow, while another aspect involves securing private partnerships to support the government’s efforts in achieving its objectives.
She further stated that, so far, the ministry has attracted funding from Afreximbank, the United Arab Emirates, and the Saudi Arabian government. In addition, the ministry is collaborating with Big Win to create millions of jobs by 2027.
The Minister expressed concern that, despite Nigeria being the second-largest film industry in the world, it still lacks critical infrastructure such as arenas, museums, and cinemas, which were once common across the country.
She argued that cinemas are significant avenues for revenue generation, noting that the country is losing numerous opportunities to boost the economy due to inadequate infrastructure necessary for the growth of these sectors.
Musawa urged the government at both state and federal levels, the National Assembly, and other stakeholders to review existing laws and create a conducive environment to reposition Yankari Game Reserve, Obudu Ranch, and other tourist attractions across the country for economic development.
Similarly, during the budget presentation many senators such as senator Abdul Ningi, Senator Babangida Husaini and senator Osita Izunaso all expressed worries on how meager the budgetary provision to meet the ambitious targets of the ministry.
As a result Senator Osita Izunaso moved that the committee summon the Minister of Budget and National planning for discussion together with DG budget to be able to expand the budget envelop system for the ministry to be able to discharge its constitutional function effectively.
Cov Bashir M