The Federal Government has announced plans to create about two million employment opportunities in Nigeria’s creative industry by 2030 as part of efforts to position culture, entertainment and innovation as key drivers of economic growth.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa-Musawa, disclosed the target during the closing session of the 2026 Kano Creative Summit.
The summit, organised by the National Theatre Nigeria, focused on strengthening creative businesses and equipping industry practitioners with skills needed for long-term sustainability.
Creative Sector Included in Economic Growth Strategy
Musa-Musawa said the government was integrating the creative sector into its economic development plans through the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Destination Nigeria initiative.
She explained that the creative economy had significant potential to generate employment, attract investment and promote Nigeria’s cultural identity globally.
“The Federal Government is targeting two million jobs in the creative industry by 2030,” she said.
Kano’s Cultural Heritage Seen as Economic Opportunity
The minister highlighted Kano’s long history of craftsmanship and cultural production as an important asset for Nigeria’s creative economy.
She identified traditional industries such as: Kofar Mata indigo dyeing, leather craftsmanship, textile weaving, blacksmithing, embroidery, kannywood film production
as areas capable of supporting employment and entrepreneurship.
Musa-Musawa noted that Kano’s traditional indigo dyeing was recognised internationally after it was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2024.
Government Urges Creatives to Build Sustainable Businesses
The minister encouraged creative entrepreneurs to approach their work as structured businesses rather than informal activities.
She advised practitioners to: Register and protect intellectual property, separate personal and business finances, understand production costs., build professional associations ,strengthen collaboration within the industry.
She also called for the revival of cultural centres and training programmes that would transfer traditional skills from older generations to young Nigerians.
Experts Identify Challenges Facing Northern Creatives
During a discussion on the future of Northern Nigeria’s creative sector, industry stakeholders highlighted challenges affecting growth.
The session was led by Hajiya Kaltume Bulama-Gana, Chief Executive Officer of the National Troupe of Nigeria, and Alhaji Abdulkareem Mohammed, founder of the Kano Indigenous Languages of Africa Film Festival (KILAF).
Also participating was Prof. Rukayat Banjo from the Bayero University Kano.
Digital Platforms, Funding Key to Creative Growth
Bulama-Gana urged Northern creatives to improve the packaging of their works and take advantage of digital platforms to reach wider audiences.
Mohammed called for stronger partnerships between universities and creative professionals, saying continuous training was essential for industry growth.
Prof. Banjo identified limited indigenous storytelling and language representation as challenges preventing some creative works from gaining global attention.
She encouraged creators to develop authentic stories reflecting Northern Nigeria’s history, people and experiences.
Calls for More Support for Creative Entrepreneurs
Participants at the summit appealed for greater government support through: Skills development programmes, access to grants and affordable financing, digital training, stronger intellectual property protection, institutional support for creative businesses.
They also suggested establishing a zonal office of the National Troupe in Kano to strengthen cultural activities in Northern Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Creative Economy Growth Potential
The summit brought together artists, policymakers, investors and industry experts to discuss ways of transforming Nigeria’s cultural resources into sustainable economic opportunities.
Stakeholders agreed that with proper investment, Nigeria’s creative industry could become a major contributor to employment creation, tourism development and global cultural influence.
