The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to boosting Nigeria’s creative economy through the provision of funding support and infrastructure for artistes across the country. This assurance was given by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, during the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with entertainment company Chocolate City Group on Thursday in Abuja.
Musawa said the collaboration signals a new era of inclusive support for Nigerian creatives, stressing the need to decentralise the music and arts industry which, for years, has remained concentrated in select urban centres. She noted that regional imbalances have resulted in talent migration, often leaving creatives in underserved areas without access to the tools, platforms, and exposure needed to grow their craft.
“We have incredibly gifted artistes, skilled producers, and enterprising creatives in every corner of this country. Unfortunately, many of them are working in silos. This partnership is about connecting those dots, creating structured hubs, and ensuring no one is left behind simply because of geography,” she stated.
Musawa revealed that part of the agreement includes the establishment of regional music hubs outfitted with modern recording and production facilities, designed to empower local talents and encourage industry growth beyond the usual hotspots. She explained that by doing so, the government hopes to curb talent drain and nurture thriving creative economies within every region of Nigeria.
In her words, “Through this partnership, we are developing music hubs across the regions, fully equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure. We will also provide funding support to empower these talents and help their art flourish. Our goal is to foster sustainable regional ecosystems that feed into a stronger national and global creative presence.”
Beyond infrastructure, the minister disclosed that the government also plans to construct small-scale live performance venues across the country to provide platforms for artistes to showcase their work, connect with audiences, and build their brands.
She further disclosed that several talent development initiatives would soon be rolled out, aimed at training young creators while improving the accessibility and reach of Nigerian content through improved distribution networks both locally and globally.
“Our talent development programmes will nurture the next generation of creators, while enhanced distribution channels will help amplify their content to reach wider audiences,” Musawa said.
She reiterated the ministry’s long-term vision to position Nigeria as a global leader in creative expression, combining innovation with the preservation of the country’s diverse cultural heritage.
“In building this creative economy, we are not just preserving culture — we are setting the stage for innovation, global recognition, and economic growth. We want a Nigeria where creatives are not just surviving, but thriving, celebrated both at home and abroad,” she concluded.
