Vice President Kashim Shettima assured practitioners in Nigeria’s creative and entertainment sector of the federal government’s commitment to reposition the industry as Africa’s creative powerhouse. Speaking at the Art, Culture, and Creative Economy Roundtable hosted by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, Shettima acknowledged the sector’s past neglect by successive governments but vowed that under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, the situation would change.

Shettima praised the industry’s contributions to the country’s image and economic growth, recognizing how Nigerian creative works have countered negative perceptions of the country. He highlighted President Tinubu’s understanding of the industry’s importance, noting that the President is well-regarded in the creative community and is determined to support its growth.

The vice president emphasized that the roundtable was an opportunity to chart a path for the sector’s future, aimed at nurturing creativity, innovation, and inclusivity. He called on government officials to significantly increase the budget for the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy to support the sector’s expansion.

Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa introduced her ministry’s roadmap, unveiling five key objectives, including an economic plan to create millions of jobs and contribute 10% of Nigeria’s GDP, estimated at N100 billion. She also launched the ministry’s Destination 2023, Nigeria Everywhere initiative, aimed at showcasing Nigeria’s creative talents on the global stage.

Shettima reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the industry to thrive, concluding that Nigeria has the potential to cement its place as Africa’s creative powerhouse.