Minister advocates public-private collaboration to foster sustainable art Industry

Left to right: Omoboye Odu, Head of SME, Partnership and Collaboration, Ecobank Nigeria; Kola Adeleke, Executive Director of Commercial Banking, Ecobank Nigeria; Bolaji Lawal, Managing Director/Regional Executive, Ecobank Nigeria; Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy; Mrs. Tola Akerele, Founder of +234 Art Fair and Soto Gallery; and Ms. Toyin Laoshe, Project Director of the +234 Art Fair, at the Art Fair held at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Lagos.

… applauds Ecobank, others for promoting emerging artists
Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has called for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive the sustainability and growth of Nigeria’s art industry.

Speaking during her visit to the +234 International Art Fair at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) in Lagos, Musawa commended key sponsors, including Ecobank Nigeria, the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), and Soto Gallery, for creating a platform that nurtures emerging artists and amplifies Nigeria’s creative potential.

She emphasised the critical role of the private sector in fostering artistic expression and economic opportunities for creatives, while also stressing the need for sustained government involvement to ensure long-term industry stability.

“This event beautifully reflects the richness of Nigeria’s emerging talent,” Musawa said. “It serves as a bridge to the future, drawing inspiration from the past achievements of our ancestors in the world of art. The +234 Art Fair is a powerful evolution of storytelling, filled with emotion. I am proud to see young Nigerian artists being given the opportunity to express themselves fully.”

The minister expressed her satisfaction with the diverse collection of artworks on display, including paintings, photography, and sculptures, which she described as testaments to Nigeria’s vibrant artistic heritage and contemporary ingenuity.

Beyond celebrating artistic talent, Musawa reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to fostering a thriving creative economy, promising continued support for initiatives that provide exposure, mentorship, and economic empowerment for young artists.

She also highlighted the broader economic impact of the creative sector, noting that with the right support structures, Nigeria’s art industry could contribute significantly to national GDP, employment, and cultural tourism.

“To sustain the growth of the art sector, government participation is crucial,” she stated. “The public and private sectors must work together to create policies and initiatives that ensure long-term investment, funding opportunities, and global exposure for our artists. I am honored to be here today for the second edition of this incredible art fair.”

Musawa’s remarks underscore the growing recognition of Nigeria’s creative economy as a key driver of national development, with increasing efforts to position the country’s artists and cultural assets on the global stage.