FG and NESG sign a memorandum of understanding to introduce reforms in the creative sector

Author: Joshua Olomu

The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on repositioning the arts, culture and creative economy sectors.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the MoU was signed by officials of the two organizations at the ministry’s headquarters on Friday in Abuja.

The MoU aimed to strengthen cooperation between the two sides towards developing a unified policy, governance, institutional, legislative and implementation framework for operations related to the arts, culture and creative sectors.

The goal, according to Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, is to increase the sectors’ contribution to the national economy.

Musawa, who signed the agreement on behalf of the federal government, said the partnership would unleash the enormous potential of Nigeria’s creative economy.

She described NESG as a leading private sector-led think tank committed to transforming Nigeria into an open, sustainable and globally competitive economy.

According to her, the MoU is a bold step towards fulfilling the ministry’s mandate through partnership with key stakeholders.

“Our collaboration with NESG is based on a clear set of goals – developing a solid management structure for the arts, culture and creative industries.

“Together, we co-created the policy direction for the development of a comprehensive national creative economy policy to guide the development and regulation of the creative economy in Nigeria.

“This policy framework will provide strategic direction, outline key objectives and establish regulatory mechanisms to support growth, innovation and sustainability in the creative sector.

“Once approved, the policy will be presented to the National Assembly for its consent to the adoption of a law that will create the Central Authority for Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy and establish a fund.

“Through strategic collaboration, forward-looking policies and engagement, we strive to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s creative industries, supporting sustainable economic growth and cultural prosperity for future generations.”

On his part, the Director of NESG, Mr. Udeme Ufot, who signed the MoU on behalf of the group, said the MoU represents a significant innovation towards transforming the potential of the sector.

Ufot is also co-chair of the NES Private Sector, Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment, Creative, Cultural and Sports Industry Policy Committee (THECCS).

He expressed confidence that the partnership would be a springboard for the development of the sector.

“The effective implementation of the MoU would represent a paradigm shift in the arts, cultural and creative sectors of the Nigerian economy.

“It starts with the public sector, which will see the establishment and optimization of sector governance frameworks.

“This will be achieved through reforms to policies, legislation, institutions, incentives and human capacity development in relevant ministries, departments and agencies.

“On the private sector side, the implementation of the MoU will result in a game-changing industry reset for sector practitioners across the entire cultural and creative sector value chain and ecosystem,” he said.

Earlier, Dr Tayo Aduloju, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NESG, said the signing of the MoU followed a series of meetings, consultations, research and stakeholder engagement.

Aduloju explained that the specific task under the collaborative MoU will, among other things, make Nigeria Creativity Week an annual event.

According to him, NESG has established a wide range of institutional cooperation and signed a Memorandum of Understanding to stimulate economic growth and development in various sectors. (NAN)(nannews.ng)

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Edited by Philip Yatai