The federal government has said that it plans to develop the tourism and creative industry in order to increase its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by generating $100 billion.
The Minister of Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa disclosed this at the launch of a project to advance Evidence-Based Policies to enhance the contribution of the creative sector and industry.
The Minster who was represented at the launch by the Assistant on Monitoring, Evaluation and Heritage, Roshan Nanayakkara, noted that the president was keen on creating the right framework that encourages ease of doing business, serves the public interest and helps attract investment into the cultural, creative and tourism sectors of the economy.
She said: “The prioritisation of the sectors are reflected in the presidential decision to create a sector specific Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy to enable and develop the sector for the increase of sectoral GDP contribution by generating $100 billion and the creation and sustenance of 2 million jobs.
“For this goal to be achieved, our first step is to enable the industry for rapid development through key initiatives outlined in our 8-Point Plan.
“Key amongst the components of this plan is the development of policy and regulatory frameworks for the advancement of the sectors.”
Musawa stressed that this is significantly reflected in the federal government’s efforts to ensure the development, review and launch of three separate policies in one year.
“These policies include: the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (NIPPS); the National Cultural Policy and the National Tourism Policy.”
The minister added that these key policy frameworks would aim to support their relevant industries by ensuring alignment in objectives, enabling regulations, and adequate government support for the industry.
Also, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot said he wants this project to be used in a more systematic way to work with local initiatives and to strengthen the creative industry and its contribution to sustainable development in the country.