The Federal Government has reaffirmed its resolve to reposition Nigeria’s creative sector as a driver of national development, unveiling plans to expand access to funding, build innovation hubs, and strengthen capacity development for young creators.
Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, made the pledge at the Genius Creators Summit 2025 in Abuja.
The event, organised by Nate Genius Media Ltd, brought together creators, innovators, policymakers, and investors to explore collaborative pathways for sustainable growth across Africa’s creative landscape.
Represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Partnership and Innovation, Imran Duba, the minister said the Federal Government remained committed to empowering creators with the right tools and opportunities to transform creativity into an engine for national development.
Musawa said that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu views the creative industry as a vital pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She said the government would continue to provide an enabling environment that supports creative entrepreneurs, attracts private investment, and showcases Nigerian talent on the world stage.
Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, reiterated the government’s dedication to fostering a dynamic digital economy through progressive policies that promote innovation, inclusivity, and visibility across Nigeria’s creative ecosystem.
Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Halilu, stressed the agency’s plan to establish innovation hubs across Nigeria.
He explained that these hubs are designed to empower young creators with access to technology, mentorship, and production tools, enabling them to transform creative ideas into tangible impact and sustainable businesses.
A major highlight of the summit was the announcement of the Fourth Mainland Creator Fund by media entrepreneur and storyteller, Chude Jideonwo.
The $500,000 initiative aims to support emerging African creators —particularly filmmakers, writers, podcasters, and digital storytellers — whose projects demonstrate originality, social relevance, and measurable impact.
According to Jideonwo, the fund will combine capital investment with mentorship and strategic guidance to help creators scale their platforms, strengthen their storytelling, and build sustainable enterprises that contribute to Africa’s creative economy.
Addressing newsmen after the event, the convener and CEO of Nate Genius Media Ltd, Nathaniel Ogwuche, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and outcomes of the summit.
“The turnout, the depth of discussions, and the diversity of perspectives were incredible. It showed that Africa’s creative ecosystem is ready to embrace innovation, collaboration, and AI as tools for transformation,” he said.
Ogwuche further commended the Honourable Minister for her continued support of the creative industry, while stressing the need for more training programs and infrastructure that can help young talents move from passion to productivity and from potential to impact.
“Beyond policy, we must invest in structures that enable young people to express their creativity in any space they find themselves. That’s how we build a sustainable creative economy,” he added.
