The Federal Government has pledged new investments in Nigeria’s creative economy, announcing plans to develop regional music hubs and performance arenas across the country as part of a public-private partnership aimed at decentralizing and expanding the nation’s cultural industries.
The initiative was unveiled on Thursday in Abuja by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ministry and leading entertainment company Chocolate City Group.
According to Musawa, the partnership will address the concentration of creative activity in a few urban centres and tackle the resulting talent migration from underserved regions.
“We have talented artistes, dedicated producers, and passionate entrepreneurs working in isolation rather than in concert,” Musawa said. “Through this partnership, we will develop regional music hubs equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and provide funding support. This initiative will reduce talent drain and foster the growth of regional music industries, ensuring that creative opportunities are accessible nationwide.”
The ministry also plans to establish small-scale live arenas to serve as performance spaces for emerging and established artistes. The minister noted that these projects form part of a broader strategy to build infrastructure and systems that will empower Nigerian creatives to thrive both locally and internationally.
“Together, we are committing to building the infrastructure, systems, and opportunities that will allow Nigerian creatives to thrive at home and compete globally,” she added.
The government’s plans also include talent development programmes and enhanced distribution channels to ensure wider global reach for Nigerian content.
Musawa concluded by reaffirming the administration’s commitment to creating a dynamic, inclusive creative economy that respects cultural heritage while embracing innovation.
“We will build a creative economy that works for everyone — one that preserves our cultural heritage while embracing innovation, and that celebrates Nigeria’s diversity while presenting a unified creative identity to the world,” she said.
The partnership with Chocolate City is expected to serve as a model for future collaborations aimed at unlocking the economic potential of Nigeria’s arts and culture sector, which continues to gain international recognition.