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Nigeria targets 2m creative industry jobs by 2030
The Federal Government says it is targeting the creation of two million jobs in Nigeria’s creative industry by 2030.
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa-Musawa, disclosed this at the closing session of the 2026 Kano Creative Summit organised by the National Theatre.
She said Kano’s rich heritage in indigo dyeing, leatherwork, weaving, embroidery and Kannywood could be harnessed to drive economic growth and create employment.
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The minister urged creative practitioners to protect their intellectual property, professionalise their businesses and embrace digital platforms to expand opportunities.
The National Theatre of Nigeria took its Creative Summit outside Lagos for the first time, choosing Kano as host city in recognition of its cultural heritage and growing creative sector.
General Manager of the National Theatre, Mrs. Tola Akerele, said the choice of Kano was deliberate, stressing that creativity thrives across Nigeria, not only in Lagos.
She explained that the Summit was designed to decentralise access to tools and opportunities the creative economy depends on.
“Kano was chosen not as an afterthought but as recognition of what the city has always contributed to Nigeria’s creative life,” she said.
Akerele added that the programme built around funding, financial literacy and skills belongs in Kano “not as an afterthought, but as a recognition of what this city has always contributed to Nigeria”s creative life.”
She explained that the programme is delivered in partnership with the European Union, iDICE (Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises) and Kano State Government.
She said the programme is aimed at positioning Nigeria’s creative economy as a driver of national growth under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The state’s Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hajiya Aisha Lawan Saji, highlighted cultural landmarks such as the Kofar Mata dye pits and ancient city walls, describing them as evidence of a heritage now being built upon.
Audu Maikori, Chairman of Chocolate City Group and adviser to the Kaduna State Government, warned participants that many creatives lose their rights long before infringement occurs because they fail to document their work. He stressed that ownership begins with proof of creation, not just the act of making.
Bayo Omoboriowo, the official photographer of former President Muhammadu Buhari, told the gathering that investors are drawn to creative businesses with sound financial habits and structures.
He argued that proper organisation is not a formality but a condition for accessing funding.