Nigeria targets 2m creative industry jobs by 2030

The Federal Government of Nigeria aims to generate two million jobs within its creative sector by the year 2030, according to Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa-Musawa. During the 2026 Kano Creative Summit, the minister highlighted Kano's rich cultural heritage, which includes practices such as indigo dyeing, leatherwork, weaving, embroidery, and Kannywood film production.

Musa-Musawa urged creative professionals to safeguard their intellectual property, formalize their businesses, and leverage digital platforms to broaden opportunities.

The National Theatre of Nigeria, for the first time, took its Creative Summit outside of Lagos, opting for Kano as the host city due to its cultural significance and burgeoning creative industry. General Manager Tola Akerele emphasized the choice was deliberate, stating that creativity flourishes throughout Nigeria, not solely in Lagos. She explained that the Summit aimed to decentralize access to resources and prospects within the creative economy.

The summit, organized in collaboration with the European Union, iDICE (Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises), and the Kano State Government, focused on funding, financial literacy, and skills development. The program is designed to elevate Nigeria's creative economy as a catalyst for national growth under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

Hajiya Aisha Lawan Saji, the Commissioner for Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy for Kano State, pointed out cultural landmarks like Kofar Mata dye pits and ancient city walls as evidence of a heritage being built upon.

Audu Maikori, Chairman of Chocolate City Group and adviser to the Kaduna State Government, cautioned participants that many creatives forfeit their rights before infringement occurs due to a lack of documentation. He stressed that ownership commences with proof of creation rather than merely the act of creation. Bayo Omoboriowo, the official photographer of former President Muhammadu Buhari, advised that investors favor creative businesses with robust financial habits and structures, asserting that proper organization is essential for securing funding.