The federal government has stressed the need for local and international stakeholders to partner with the government in achieving its vision of advancing the creative economy and tourism sector, aimed at positioning the country as a top tourist destination in Africa.
The minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa-Musawa who stated this at a press conference in Lagos, affirmed that her ministry has achieved significant milestones in advancing Nigeria’s creative economy and tourism sector.
The minister pointed out that the core mandate all along has been to build an integrated data driven and investment friendly ecosystem that really has the potential to unlock the great opportunities that abound in the industry.
She said, “Mr President mandated me to ensure that I do whatever is necessary to make sure that players in the industry get what they need to grow the industry. One of the things that was obvious is the underfunding. Everyone knew that Nigerians have so many ideas but don’t just have the funding to grow their craft.”
To this end, the minister maintained that the $200m African Export-Import Bank fund would help to boost Nigeria’s tourism and creative economy when it becomes operational on June 1, 2025.
According to her, the ministry has worked so hard and very closely with the bank and would ensure that when the funds are deployed, it would go directly to where the players need the funds, adding that, “It is a revolution as nothing of such has been done before.”
She said her commitment to developing the nation’s tourism, culture and creative economy sectors aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which was carefully designed to promote economic growth, cultural enrichment and community empowerment through job creation.
Musawa, who emphasised the need for sustainable tourism practices, infrastructure development, and community engagement, added that her ministry was determined to use the power of arts and creativity to boost the economy, preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage and share the country’s culture with the world.
As one making a pioneering effort, the minister said, “There is not enough infrastructure for the industry, we will prioritise and ensure we get the right infrastructure. President Tinubu came with a promise to do things differently for the benefit of all, so we are putting proper foundations in place that will outlive us.”
