Govs Back Federal Govt’s $100bn Creative Economy Plan

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government’s Strategic Roadmap to grow the country’s creative and tourism sectors into a $100 billion industry by 2030, with the potential of creating over three million jobs.

Rising from its 5th meeting held on Wednesday night in Abuja, the Forum said the presentation by the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, represented by the Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. Obi Asika, outlined clear initiatives capable of transforming the sector into a major driver of national development.

Key initiatives under the roadmap include the establishment of a $200 million Creative Economy Development Fund, the creation of a $1 billion Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation, and landmark projects such as the Lagos Arena, Abuja Creative City, and the Renewed Hope Cultural Villages.

The governors commended the emphasis on strengthening intellectual property protections, expanding tourism capacity, and positioning Nigeria’s creative industry to command a stronger global presence.

They resolved to collaborate with the Federal Government through the establishment of State Creative Economy Desks, co-creation of festivals, and adoption of the ‘Naija Season’ platform to deepen grassroots participation.

The NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who signed the communiqué, said the Forum was convinced that the roadmap would not only diversify Nigeria’s economy but also open up new opportunities for the youth.

Earlier, the meeting observed a minute of silence in honour of the late Pa Ahmed Momohsani Ododo, father of Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, with condolences extended to the bereaved family.