Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Bola Tinubu-led administration to ensure a more inclusive and prosperous future for the nation’s creative economy.
Addressing stakeholders in the creative and entertainment industry at the Art, Culture, and Creative Economy Roundtable, Vice President Shettima expressed the administration’s determination to amplify the voices of Nigeria’s creative minds, empower talents, and harness the potential within the country’s diverse cultural tapestry.
The vice president emphasized the need to foster an environment that nurtures creativity, innovation, and inclusivity, underscoring the aspiration for a brighter, more inclusive, and prosperous future for Nigeria’s creative economy.
Emphasizing the administration’s commitment to making the Nigerian creative industry a critical segment of the global economy, Vice President Shettima assured stakeholders of the government’s dedication to elevating the industry’s position on the global stage.
VP Shettima also acknowledged the past neglect of the creative and entertainment sector and extended a heartfelt apology for the minimal support from previous administrations. He reiterated the administration’s firm resolve to maximize the potential of the nation’s creative economy.
Furthermore, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Ibrahim Hadejia, highlighted the initiative as part of efforts to build and nurture a viable working relationship between the public and private sectors in the creative industry, with the aim of strengthening Nigeria’s position as the global center for arts, culture, and creativity.
Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hajiya Hannatu Musawa, presented the ministry’s vision and agenda for the creative sector, focusing on the ‘Destination 2023, Nigeria Everywhere’ initiative – a program aimed at showcasing Nigeria’s abundant talents in the creative sector and firmly establishing the country as the leading global hub for arts, culture, and creativity.
By leveraging legislative, regulatory, and intellectual property reforms, the minister expressed confidence in significantly increasing the creative sector’s contributions to the GDP within a short period.
Furthermore, the shift towards comprehensive ecosystem support, in addition to financing, was emphasized as a crucial step in fostering private sector engagements and supporting the growth of the creative industry.
During the event, dignitaries including the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr. Simon Lalong, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, along with representatives of partners in the project, shared their perspectives on the transformative potential of the government’s interventions in the creative sector.
The commitment to bolster Nigeria’s creative industry stands as a testament to the government’s recognition of the sector’s vital role in the country’s economic and cultural landscape, underscoring the potential for Nigeria to further solidify its status as the unrivalled creative powerhouse of Africa.
