Culture ministry eyes $100m contribution to GDP, 2m jobs by 2027

The federal government said yesterday it has set a target of $100 million contribution from the creative industry to the nation’s gross domestic product, GDP, by 2030.

The Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, disclosed this in her keynote speech at the ongoing inaugural management retreat of the ministry in Abuja.

She said arts and culture, being key driver in achieving economic diversification and development in the country, is also set to create two million jobs by 2027, in line with the presidential directive to all appointees of the President.

‘‘From the establishment of cultural institutions to the implementation of landmark policies, project and programmes, our ministry has been and will continue to be at the forefront of driving positive change and transformation.

”We have embraced innovation and adaptation, recognizing the dynamic nature of our cultural industries. We have celebrated our diversity and nurtured our talents, paving the way for vibrant and thriving art, culture and creative sectors,” the minister said.

She said the purpose of the retreat was multi-faceted in nature as it served as a platform for the ministry to collectively assess its progress, identify challenges and chart a course for the attainment of the ministerial deliverables as executed in the performance bond.

Musawa stated that art, culture, and the creative economy sectors had a crucial role to play in achieving these priorities that were critical drivers of economic growth and job creation.

Earlier in his remarks, the permanent secretary in the ministry, Mr. James Sule, said the theme of the retreat, “Driving Creativity and Innovation Towards Destination 2030” was apt, because creativity and innovative problem-solving go hand in hand, as creative thinking provides the foundation upon which innovative solutions were built.