By: Mandy Park
Nigeria’s Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, on Thursday, February 27, disclosed in more comprehensive terms, her vision and plans for the country’s tourism and creative sectors, focusing on the 2030 destination.
This is as she also meticulously, disclosed plans for the Abuja Creative City, the Wole Soyiinka center, the 200 million dollars fund facility and the efforts put in place for repartration of Artifacts from foreign lands.
Musawa also vowed to deliver world class arena for the Abuja creative city, and the Wole Soyinka center in Lagos by next year.
Speaking while addressing the press in Lagos and outlining her comprehensive plans, she said her commitment to developing Nigeria’s tourism, culture and creative economy sectors aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to promote economic growth, cultural enrichment and community empowerment through job creation.
Speaking on the $200 Million Fund Facility, the minister revealed that the $200 million financing facility is with the African Export-Import Bank (Afrexim Bank) to support the growth of Nigeria’s creative sector.
The fund According to her will provide affordable financing to creative businesses and entrepreneurs, driving innovation and job creation.
On the Abuja Creative City, Musawa highlighted the gains of the project, which she said is aimed at transforming the capital city into a vibrant hub for creative industries. The initiative she noted further is expected to drive economic growth, create jobs, and showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
Concerning the Wole Soyinka Center, Musawa
also announced plans of upgrade in infrastructure and beauty for the Wole Soyinka Center, a project dedicated to preserving the legacy of Nigeria’s Nobel laureate.
The center, she disclosed will serve as a cultural and intellectual hub, promoting arts, literature, and critical thinking.
On the critical issue of repartration of Artifacts,
Minister Musawa emphasized the importance of repatriating Nigeria’s looted artifacts, currently housed in foreign museums in Germany, Sweden, Australia etc.
She stressed the need for international cooperation to ensure the safe return of these cultural treasures, which are essential to Nigeria’s heritage and identity.
On the 2030 Destination Vision, the highly effective
Minister shared her vision for Nigeria’s tourism sector by 2030, emphasizing the need for sustainable tourism practices, infrastructure development, and community engagement.
She invited local and international stakeholders to partner with the government in achieving the vision, which aims to position the country as a top tourist destination in Africa.
Musawa said the initiatives demonstrate their commitment to promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage, driving economic growth, and empowering the creative industries.
Said Musawa” we are building this ministry (Creative industry) from ground zero. We need to do whatever that is necessary, infrastructure and otherwise to make sure that players in the industry get what they need to develop and realize their talent.
“There is not enough infrastructure for the industry, we will priorities 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 foundation in place that will outlive us.”
Recall that Musawa was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023, and she’s been instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s cultural and tourism landscape.
Her ministry, according to her, aims 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 .
