The Federal Government has unveiled its ambitious plan to create the Nigerian Creative City, a dedicated hub designed to nurture talent and empower youth across the country.
In an interview with Pathway News on Wednesday in Abuja, Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy (FMACCE), detailed that the project is part of a larger strategy to harness Nigeria’s creative potential for economic advancement.
“We envision the Nigerian Creative City as a central hub encompassing all 49 subsectors within the creative industry,” Musawa explained. “This city will enable diverse sub-sectors to showcase their talents, generate job opportunities, and boost tourism, thereby significantly contributing to national revenue.”
While each state will have a presence of the Ministry of Culture, Art, and Creative Economy, the primary Creative City will be located in Abuja. Musawa highlighted the project’s role in expanding Nigeria’s economic prospects by leveraging the long-neglected potential of the cultural and creative industries.
“The creative sector holds substantial untapped potential,” she noted. “Industry players have organically developed it, but now it’s time for the government to intervene, bridge existing gaps, and reposition this value, aiming for a projected $100 billion impact.”
The Nigerian Creative City is set to offer development platforms across various genres in arts, culture, and entertainment. It aims to serve as a talent incubator and entertainment hub, creating jobs and enhancing Nigeria’s tourism industry.
Musawa also revealed plans to work with state ministries to replicate such hubs at the state level. “We will establish incubators and hubs in every state, starting with at least three per state in the initial phase,” she said. “These hubs will support local talents in music, capacity building, and other creative activities, with each state showcasing its unique creative and cultural village.”
Additionally, Musawa urged Nigerian youths to engage in constructive activities and seize opportunities within the creative sector. She assured them of the government’s commitment to protecting their intellectual property rights and fostering a supportive environment for industry growth.
“This government is deeply invested in the youth within the culture and creative industries,” she said. “We have an open-door policy for ideas and innovations. Let’s collaborate to build a sustainable future for this sector, which holds immense promise for Nigeria’s future.”
Musawa encouraged all Nigerians to contribute to the growth of the creative industry, emphasizing the country’s rich talent and content potential.
