The Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy is on a target of $100 million contribution from the creative industry to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product by 2030.
The Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa disclosed this in her keynote speech at the ongoing inaugural management retreat of the ministry in Abuja.
She said arts and culture being key driver in achieving economic diversification and development in the country is also set to create 2 million jobs by year 2027 in line with the presidential directive to all appointees of the President.
Since the establishment of the Ministry by President Bola Tinubu on 21st August, 2023, she said the ministry had witnessed remarkable achievements and milestones.
‘‘From the establishment of cultural institutions to the implementation of landmark policies, projects and programmes, our Ministry has been and will continue to be at the forefront of driving positive change and transformation.
“We have embraced innovation and adaptation, recognizing the dynamic nature of our Cultural Industries. We have celebrated our diversity and nurtured our talents, paving the way for vibrant and thriving Art, Culture and Creative Sectors,’’ she said.
The minister said the purpose of the retreat was multi-faceted in nature as it served as a platform for the ministry to collectively assess its progress, identify challenges and chart a course for the attainment of the Ministerial Deliverables as executed in the Performance Bond.
She added that it also provides participants with an opportunity to strengthen their bond as a high-level leadership team, to share best practices, and to develop innovative strategies that will propel the Ministry and its agencies forward.
She charged all the participants to align their efforts with the Presidential Priorities set forth by the President at the Cabinet Retreat for Ministers, Presidential Aides, Permanent Secretaries and Top Government.
Musawa stated that Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy Sectors have a crucial role to play in achieving these priorities and are critical drivers of economic growth and job creation, but also serve as platforms for social cohesion, cultural exchange, and national identity.
‘‘By ensuring the development and continued investment in these Sectors”, the minister said ‘‘we can harness their potential to stimulate innovation, promote entrepreneurship and attract investments, thereby contributing to the diversification and resilience of our economy.’’
‘‘We are committed to working together to ensure that the efforts made to birth the Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy are consolidated and institutionalized. This commitment extends to collaborating with key Stakeholders, including creative and cultural institutions, artists and creative entrepreneurs, to build a strong foundation for the sustainable growth and development of our Sectors.
‘‘It is pertinent to note that unity is the bedrock upon which we can build a vibrant and resilient nation. Therefore, by fostering collaboration and harmony among our diverse talents and Agencies, we can leverage our collective strengths to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. Let us stand together in solidarity, united in our shared vision to elevate Nigeria’s cultural and creative landscape to new heights of excellence.
‘‘As we deliberate during this Retreat, it is essential that we remain focused on our Ministerial Deliverables and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) derived from the Performance Bond signed by myself and the Permanent Secretary with Mr. President. These deliverables and KPIs serve as our roadmap, guiding our efforts and measuring our progress. They provide us with a clear direction and ensure that we are accountable to ourselves, our Stakeholders and the Nigerian people.
‘‘It is imperative that we take ownership of these deliverables and KPIs, recognizing that they are not just targets to be met, but commitments to be fulfilled. Shared ownership is key to our success, as it fosters collaboration, accountability, and a sense of purpose among all Stakeholders. We must work together, across Departments and Agencies to achieve our goals and deliver on our promises.
‘‘Let us harness the collective wisdom and expertise gathered in this room to chart a bold and ambitious visionary direction for the years ahead. We will continue to innovate, to collaborate, and to adapt to the changing landscape of our industries,’’ she said.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. James Sule said the theme of the Retreat, “Driving Creativity and Innovation Towards Destination 2030” was apt, because creativity and innovative problem-solving go hand in hand as creative thinking provides the foundation upon which innovative solutions are built.
He said the retreat was meant to renew, team building, fostering collective vision, strengthen working relationships and increasing trust.
In her address, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and Head, CDCU, Adiza Bala Usman, represented by Dr. Sanusi Ohiare, said the creation of the Ministry by the president further highlighted his single mindedness of the role of the Ministry. It is a clarion call for all stakeholders to unlock the boundless and immense potentials of the sector.
‘The Ministry plays pivotal role in economic diversification, digitization, job creation. The creative industry is a foundation of opportunities and catalyst for societal transformation. It is a testament of ingenuity of our people, to the richness of our culture, and boundless imagination that defines our nation.
‘‘The Ministry has been charged with creating 2 million new jobs in creative industry, contributing to GDP. These goals are not just aspirations but fundamentals to our prosperity and wellbeing of our people. By harnessing the power of creativity, we can unlock the power of opportunities empowered by youths with innovation that will propel our nation forward,” she said.
She called on participants at the retreat to join hands to build economic prosperous future for the country.
