Minister Highlights Creative Sector’s Role In Job Creation

Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Owan Enoh, has applauded the creative and cultural industries for their contributions to job creation and export development.

He spoke at the “Enjoy Nigeria Export Festival (ENEXFEST)” held in Abuja.

Enoh stressed the importance of the sectors in supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which are vital to Nigeria’s overall economic health.

He said platforms like ENEXFEST are instrumental in showcasing Nigeria’s extensive talent pool. Such events not only celebrate the creativity and innovation of local artists and entrepreneurs but also strengthen value chains across various industries, the minister said.

Enoh highlighted the immense growth potential in industries such as fashion, textiles, food production, and the visual and performing arts, noting that initiatives such as ENEXFEST can attract investment and foster collaboration. These opportunities are essential for ensuring that Nigeria’s creative industries thrive both domestically and internationally.

He said, “The creative economy is a sector with significant implications for the growth and development of other areas, including Cotton, Textile, and Accessories industries.

To the entrepreneurs and artisans present today: your innovation, resilience, and creativity are the backbone of Nigeria’s industrial progress.

“The ministry is dedicated to supporting you through policies, partnerships, and programmes designed to enhance competitiveness, stimulate job creation and strengthen value chain development nationwide.”

The founder of Enjoy Nigeria Expo, Isa Yusuf Sago, said tourism, commerce and the creative economy are strategic drivers of growth, employment, and global standing.

He explained that ENEXFEST 2026, being the fourth edition, serves as a platform where commerce intersects with creativity, culture merges with investment, and Nigeria connects with the world through innovation.

Sago noted that the theme, “Creativity, the Path to Wealth Creation, Employment Generation, Poverty Alleviation, and Sustainable Development,” stems from a bold vision that positions Nigeria not simply as a nation of potential, but one of performance.

“Nigeria is rich in arts, culture, fashion, food, music, innovation, enterprise, tourism, education, hospitality, aviation, and marine economy. The energy of our people creates immense opportunities for us to make a lasting impact globally,” he concluded.

Muhammad Sulaiman, president of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), underscored the crucial role of the Nigerian creative sector as the country’s largest employer, demonstrating strong global demand for its talents and outputs.