by Kiso Simon
In eighteen months, the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy has secured $200 million (about N320 billion) in investment commitments, the Minister, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa has said.
She disclosed this on Friday in Abuja at the Ministerial Scorecard briefing with the media.
She also said the ministry has established innovative funding mechanisms like the Creative Economy Development Fund, creating infrastructure that will generate over 2 million jobs, and elevating Nigeria’s global cultural standing—all while encouraging rural communities, women, and youth to participate meaningfully in the creative economy.
She also stated at the event that the ministry’s strategic partnerships spanning government agencies, international organizations, and private sector leaders have positioned Nigeria’s tourism and creative sectors not just as alternatives to oil dependency, but as vibrant, inclusive economic pillars capable of addressing our nation’s most pressing challenges.
The minister said the activities of the ministry aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the ministry stands at the forefront of Nigeria’s economic diversification strategy, transforming what was once viewed as merely cultural expression into powerful engines of sustainable growth and job creation.
Despite the ministry’s progress, she indicated that it faces several challenges hampering accelerated progress.
The most dominant challenges she said include: Funding Constraints – Many creative projects face difficulties securing adequate funding and distribution; Global Competition – Our creative products must meet high international quality standards to compete globally; Tourism Infrastructure – While we have made progress with facilities like Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, many tourism sites across the country still require significant investment and development; Extensive Market Fragmentation; Inadequate work tools and Lack of utility vehicles.
