After thirty seven years of stagnation, Nigeria is now on the verge of a cultural rebirth. The long-overdue review of the National Policy on Culture—last updated in 1988—is now in its final phase, signaling a pivotal moment for the country’s cultural and tourism sector. Under the direction of Minister Hannatu Musawa, the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy is spearheading the comprehensive overhaul, which is being carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
For decades, the cultural policy had lingered in draft form, despite growing recognition of the creative industry’s economic potential. The Cultural Policy Drafting Committee, inaugurated by the minister in July 2024, comprising more than 100 members divided into sub-groups, successfully completed the virtual drafting process in December 2024 and is now in a physical drafting session in Abuja. This final phase will refine the policy, aligning it with global standards before it moves on to stakeholder validation and eventual approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Nigeria positions culture as a tool for transformation.
This process’s urgency and ambition represent a significant change where Nigeria seeks to institutionalize and globalize its status as a cultural powerhouse, rather than just maintain it in name. The ministry has been clear about the strategic importance of this policy update. Particularly, it is consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which emphasizes cultural development as a catalyst for national transformation. It is also anticipated that the revised policy will function as a dynamic instrument for innovation, economic expansion, and international engagement in addition to providing a legal framework for protecting and advancing cultural heritage.
As part of this broader vision, the ministry is not only focused on cultural preservation but also on job creation, youth engagement, and Innovation through the creative arts. Musawa also acknowledged the crucial support of NESG, whose 2024 MoU with the Ministry has brought research depth, technical expertise, and structured stakeholder input into the process. Meanwhile, UNESCO’s involvement has ensured that the policy aligns with international benchmarks through staff training, expert guidance, and practical workshops.
Revised policy to elevate Nigeria’s global cultural influence.
NESG facilitator Dr. Ikenna Nwosu, who has played a key role in the review, described the initiative as a long-overdue response to the sector’s evolution. He underlined that a national cultural policy should ideally be revisited every five to ten years. According to him, the industry has moved far ahead of governance, and this exercise is an essential step in ensuring that policies catch up with the sector’s economic potential. Nwosu commended Minister Musawa’s leadership, exalting it as a move that will reposition the cultural sector as a key contributor to the country’s GDP.
In her remarks, the Director, Entertainment and Creative Economy Department, Mrs. Ugochi Akudo-Nwosu, noted that the revised policy would provide a structured roadmap for cultural development, one that reflects the transformation from a “creative industry” to a “creative economy.” She emphasized that a clear cultural framework not only helps preserve national identity but also strengthens Nigeria’s position in the global cultural arena. The involvement of UNESCO further solidifies the credibility of this national effort. Mr. Ifeanyi Ajaegbo, representing UNESCO, pledged continued support for the policy review process, pointing out that it is consistent with international cultural governance standards.
Related Article: Fusion of Korean & Nig. Culture in Festival
With this feat, the ministry has reaffirmed its dedication to reviving Nigeria’s cultural industry and ensuring that it not only promotes national identity and social cohesion but also acts as a catalyst for Economic Growth and cross-cultural exchange. The strategy carries the aspirations of a country ready to reshape itself via Culture as it moves toward its final steps, which include stakeholder validation and Federal Executive Council approval. Nigeria is well-positioned to not only revitalize its Cultural Heritage but also to transform it into a global force for identity, creativity, and economic change in the presence of strong political will, technical assistance, and stakeholder backing.