News Agency of Nigeria
Gov. Otu injects N18bn into Cross River tourism

Gov. Otu injects N18bn into Cross River tourism

142 total views today

By Akpan Glory

Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River has approved the release of N18 billion to boost tourism infrastructure and reposition the state as a leading destination in Nigeria and West Africa.

The state government said the fund would be used for the rehabilitation and upgrade of key tourism assets, including the Obudu Mountain Resort, Kwa Falls, Marina Resort, and the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism Development, Mr Thomas Ikpeme, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Ikpeme said the investment forms part of the administration’s tourism transformation agenda under the “Season of Sweetness” initiative.

According to him, the state will launch “Experience Calabar” tours and set up a Heritage Market to promote arts, crafts and local culture.

“A key component of this initiative is the government’s strategic investment in Axari Towers.

“This will guarantee the hosting of major events and increase bed capacity in the state as it prepares for the 20th Anniversary of the Christmas Festival & Carnival Calabar this December.

“This move is expected to stimulate the local economy, create jobs, attract global tourists, and deepen private sector involvement in the tourism and hospitality value chain”.

The adviser added that the government had acquired two CRJ 1000 aircraft to complement the existing Boeing 737s operated by the state-owned airline, Cally Air, in partnership with Aero Contractors and ValueJet.

He also said that the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC) and the Calabar Cultural Centre were undergoing upgrades to attract conferences and business events to the state.

Otu said the initiative was aimed at creating jobs, attracting investments, and promoting local culture through tourism.

“This is not just an investment in infrastructure; it is an investment in our people, our culture, and our future,” the governor was quoted as saying.

The government said the initiative would improve access, accommodation, and activities across the state, while also enhancing human capacity and community-based tourism. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Expert calls for collaboration among West African tour operators

Expert calls for collaboration among West African tour operators

191 total views today

 

 

 

By Folasade Adeniran

A tourism expert, Mr Ikechi Uko, has urged West African tour operators to collaborate closely to promote travel and tourism within the region and achieve shared objectives.

 

Uko spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the just-concluded eighth edition of the West African Travel Expo (Accraweizo 2025).

 

The event, with the theme, “Reimagining The ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol”, was held in Accra, Ghana, from June 27 to July 1.

 

NAN reports that the event focused on seamless travel in West Africa, exploring its opportunities and challenges.

 

It featured a summit for West African tour operators and transporters.

 

Uko, who organises the annual event, said this year’s edition particularly focused on tour operators because they are the real enablers.

 

“Transporters and tour operators have been the ones sustaining regional travel, but they’ve rarely worked together.

 

“So, we thought, let’s convene them. First, to network. Second, to challenge one another. And third, to get them to take a position on how to improve. That’s how the idea of a tour operators’ summit came about,” Uko explained.

 

Uko commended ECOWAS for its role in the summit.

 

He stated, “We’re happy that one way or another, ECOWAS themselves reached out to us and decided that they are interested in what we are doing.

 

“Over the past years, they have been attempting to engage more with tourism and travel, but mostly at the level of national federations.

 

“Now, they see the value of engaging directly with practitioners. They realised the actual issues with the protocol aren’t entirely ECOWAS’s fault; it’s in the implementation by sovereign states.”

 

According to Uko, ECOWAS has requested a compilation of a report based on the deliberations of the tour operators.

 

“I have asked them to identify five key issues and recommendations.

 

“We don’t want to impose a report from the top; it must be participatory, something they own. Once it’s done, we will present it to the ECOWAS president,” he added.

 

Uko said networking plans were already underway for Accraweizo 2026.

 

“For example, we have 21 tour operators from East Africa planning to come solely to find West African partners. This is how we grow,” he noted.

 

According to him, the goal is to improve travel and tourism growth in West Africa through easy access to towns and cities within the region, improving and simplifying airport and border processes, among other things.

 

“West Africa is the biggest region in Africa, with over 400 million people rich in culture and tourist attractions.

 

“It receives the least number of tourists, yet West African countries generate the highest number of outbound travelers in Africa.

 

“There is a need to encourage West Africans to travel within the region, and this is the goal of Accra Weizo,” Uko highlighted.

 

NAN reports that during the summit, the push for unity and collaboration was reinforced by Yvonne Donkor, President of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA).

 

She stressed the importance of advocating policies that support cross-border tourism, continuous dialogue among stakeholders, and innovative partnerships that could break down barriers limiting regional travel.

 

Also, Mrs Bolaji Mustapha, President of the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), said that Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are vital for achieving seamless cross-border travel in West Africa.

 

She urged governments in the region to collaborate on infrastructure development, such as border facilities, roads, and transportation systems.

 

She also noted that creating bilingual content collaboration would bridge the region’s language divide.

 

NAN reports that the event drew stakeholders from countries in the region, including Nigeria, Ghana, The Gambia, Togo, Benin Republic, Senegal, and Ivory Coast, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

 

Experts call for academia-industry partnership in hospitality

Experts call for academia-industry partnership in hospitality

231 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

By Joan Odafe

Hospitality and tourism experts have called for a stronger collaboration between academic institutions and industry practitioners to prepare young Nigerians for meaningful careers in the sector.

 

The experts made the call during a panel session at a summit for students in hospitality and tourism on Friday in Lagos.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, ‘Hospitality and Business Summit (HBS) 2025’, was organised by Tourism and Hospitality Mentorship for Development (TMD) Brand, in collaboration with Eko Hotels and Suites.

 

The event had the theme, ‘Wonders of Today, Leaders of Tomorrow: Positioning for Global Impact – The Role of Youth in the Industrial Revolution’.

 

The panelists called on academic institutions to urgently reform internship structures and student engagement strategies to bridge the widening gap between classroom theory and practical realities.

 

The Managing Director of Eko Hotels and Suites, Mr Ghassan Faddoul, said the most urgent shift needed to prepare young people for the hospitality sector was to bridge the gap between academics and the practical.

 

Faddoul said schools had to make their internship programme compulsory every year, from year one for every student, so they could undergo hands-on training.

 

“We don’t take it lightly here because we don’t just do trainings. We do training and development.

 

“When we train someone, we train for him or her to do the job better but when we develop our employees and interns, we develop them to become a better person, a better manager, a better employee,” he said.

 

Rita Opiah, General Manager, Radisson Hotel Group, said in addition to the compulsory annual internship, there was need for accountability on the part of the institutions, through enforcement of the training.

 

Opiah urged leaders of tourism and hospitality institutions to be more intentional, by ensuring that the students are present for the exact duration planned for.

 

“You have to come onsite and ensure a task force that will also talk with the industry leaders, to monitor them and see what they are doing, and also hear our feedback,” she said.

 

Opiah also called for collaboration among stakeholders, noting that the tourism and hospitality industry had a lot of career opportunities including travels, event management, tour operators, resort management, marketing destination tourism and travel events.

 

Yvonne Joseph, a hospitality career mentor and advisor, however, said that youth disinterest in hospitality was a major concern, with many of the mindset that the sector was boring.

 

Joseph said: “They want to express their creative side in their businesses.

 

“Even if they are working in the front desk or doing their internship in the front desk, they want to see how they can make it more fun.”

 

She urged industry leaders, that by giving students and interns room to share ideas, they were helping to close gaps in the industry.

 

She added that their suggestions could also impact meaningfully on their businesses.

 

In response, Susan Akporiaye,former president of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), said apart from hotels, there were vast opportunities in travel and tourism.

 

Akporiaye cautioned the students against the notion that because they were in the digital age, they had nothing to learn from the older players in the industry.

 

She urged them to blend the age of humanity and technology, as well as improve on skills that would ensure they are employable in the industry.

 

The Director of Sales and Marketing of Eko Hotels and Suites, Dr Iyadunni Gbadebo, urged the students to explore ways in ensuring that content creation is seen as a serious role within the industry.

 

Gbadebo urged stakeholders in travel, tourism and hospitality to collaborate to sell ‘Destination Nigeria’ for national growth.

 

Also, the General Manager of Eko Hotels and Suites, Mr Danny Kioupouroglou, emphasised the need for training, hard work and focus as important factors that would make the students best leaders in the industry.

 

Citing examples of his growth in the industry, Kioupouroglou told the students that he started off at the lowest level, took up difficult roles, made mistakes before he eventually got to his present position.

 

“Leadership isn’t about showing off. It’s about showing up; before you can lead, you have to serve,” he said.

 

In his remarks, the South-West Regional Coordinator of TMD Brand, Temitope Sadiq, said the summit was aimed at exposing students in tourism, hospitality and transportation to veterans in the industry, so they could gain more insight and leverage their experience.

 

NAN reports that no fewer than 2,000 students from various schools across the nation attended the programme. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Don calls for investment in tourism to reduce oil dependency, boost economy

Don calls for investment in tourism to reduce oil dependency, boost economy

193 total views today

 

 

 

 

By Olajide Idowu

A Professor of Sustainable Tourism Management, Bola Adeleke, says tourism can be used as a catalyst to shift the country’s dependancy on oil and boost its economy.

Adeleke of the  Redeemer’s University, Ede, in Osun, made the remarks on Thursday in Ede while delivering the 19th inaugural lecture of the university.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lecture had as its theme “Sustainable Tourism: An Impetus for National Development”.

Adeleke said that sustainable tourism, which encompassed people, planet, and profit, could be used as a catalyst for national development and bring about economic, social, and environmental developments.

“Economically, it generates significant revenue, creates jobs, and stimulates local economies, contributing to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and reducing poverty.

“It can diversify Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy, create jobs, and stimulate local businesses.

“Socially, it would preserve our cultural heritage, foster intercultural understanding, and enhance community well-being.

“Environmentally, it can protect biodiversity and mitigate climate impacts through ecotourism initiatives in our national parks and protected areas.

“Globally, tourism contributes 10 per cent to GDP and one in ten jobs,” she said.

Adeleke referenced the World Tourism Organisation’s 2021 report, which said that in 2019, tourism generated $1.7 trillion in export earnings.

The don said that the tourism sector accounted for 3.6 per cent of the country’s 2022 GDP of $17 billion, and also created employment for about two million people.

She admonished the government to tap into and harness the great potentials in tourism to boost revenue and foreign exchange earnings.

Adeleke, however, said that the government needed to deal with the issues of insecurity and upgrade the tourist sites in the country to attract foreign tourists.

Earlier, Prof. Shadrach Akindele, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, said that tourism was one of the areas where the country had great potential.

Akindele said that tourism could boost the country’s foreign reserves and attract a lot of foreign exchange.

“With so many tourist sites in the country, Nigeria is sitting on a goldmine,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Victor Adeoti/Ayodeji Alabi

Malaysia, Vietnam to sign MoU on tourism cooperation

Malaysia, Vietnam to sign MoU on tourism cooperation

234 total views today

 

Malaysia and Vietnam will sign a tourism partnership agreement designed to boost Vietnamese tourists’ confidence in Malaysia while promoting Malaysian destinations in Vietnam’s travel market.

The memorandum envisages joint promotional campaigns, streamlined visa facilitation, and infrastructure development within the BRICS+ framework.

This is reported by Pretoria News, a partner of the TV BRICS.

The memorandum outlines joint promotional campaigns and the exchange of information on travel opportunities in both countries, covering beach holidays, cultural routes, and medical tourism.

Ministerial talks are also underway to facilitate visa processes, improve infrastructure, and attract investment in the hotel sector.

The agreement aligns with Malaysia’s BRICS partnership strategy, reinforcing ties within the Global South, fostering regional cooperation, and encouraging cultural exchange. (TV BRICS/NAN) 

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed/Emmanuel Yashim

Ethiopia advances rural corridor devt. to boost sustainability, eco-tourism

Ethiopia advances rural corridor devt. to boost sustainability, eco-tourism

239 total views today

 

Ethiopia has launched a comprehensive rural corridor development programme to transform local communities, promote sustainable agriculture, and expand eco-tourism infrastructure.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the initiative, as reported by Fana Media Corporation (FMC), a partner of TV BRICS.

The rural corridor development project forms part of a broader national strategy to modernise rural areas, improve livelihoods and enhance environmental stewardship, the source said.

During the launch of the initiative, Prime Minister Abiy highlighted the importance of community participation and model practices that contribute to the long-term vision of national transformation.

The initiative also includes a significant eco-tourism component.

Under the leadership of local communities, the transformation of Mount Hambaricho, Ethiopia’s natural and cultural landmark, into an accessible destination for nature tourism has already begun.

A new staircase of 777 steps for climbing was built, making the mountain more accessible to visitors interested in hiking, panoramic views, and bird watching.

According to experts, the rural corridor development project underscores the Ethiopian Government’s commitment to integrated rural development, climate resilience, and the promotion of local tourism as a sustainable economic driver.

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Venezuela seeks bilateral tourism devt cooperation with Egypt

Venezuela seeks bilateral tourism devt cooperation with Egypt

300 total views today

The Venezuelan Ambassador to Egypt, Wilmer Omar Barrientos Fernandez, has emphasised the importance of developing bilateral cooperation with Egypt, a country that aims to increase tourist traffic to 30 million tourists by 2028.

Venezolana de Television, a partner of TV BRICS, repoted Fernandez as  stressing this at a working session with journalists organised by the Venezuelan embassy in Egypt to promote tourism in the South American country.

Venezolana de Television, which cited the press office of the Venezuelan Embassy in Egypt, further reported Fernandez as underscoring the importance of having a communications wing as one of the strategies to be deployed in positioning Venezuela in the global tourism market.

He highlighted Venezuela’s biological and cultural diversity, as well as the Ministry’s Strategic Plan for Tourism 2025-2031, which focuses on the country’s identity and cultural sovereignty.

The ambassador presented Venezuela as a country with great tourism potential, relying on innovation and preserving its identity.

The report indicated that the embassy is organising familiarisation and press tours to bring representatives of the Egyptian tourism sector to Venezuela, including travel agencies, bloggers, influencers, and airlines as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Egypt.

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

FG reviews national culture policy after 37 years

FG reviews national culture policy after 37 years

605 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

By Joshua Olomu

 

Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy (FMACTCE), says work is at final stage in the review of Nigeria’s National Policy on Culture.

 

The minister said in a statement on Friday in Abuja, that this was coming 37 years after the last review.

 

Musawa said the exercise was in collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

 

”The document was last reviewed in 1988, and has remained in draft form for over 37 years in spite of its significance in shaping Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries.

 

”A Cultural Policy Drafting Committee was inaugurated in July 2024, comprising over 100 members, divided into sub-groups to research, develop, and refine the policy framework.

 

”The committee successfully completed the virtual drafting process in December 2024, leading to the need for a physical drafting exercise to consolidate and refine the document,” she said.

 

She explained that the final stage was to get the policy ready for Stakeholders Engagement and Validation exercise before submission to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.

 

“In recognition of the urgency of the reforms, the ministry initiated the comprehensive review process, ensuring that Nigeria’s cultural framework aligns with global best practices and reflects the evolving creative economy.

 

“This initiative reflects the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to cultural development under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” she said.

 

According to her, national policy on culture serves as a legal framework guiding the preservation, promotion, and development of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

 

She noted that the review will ensure that the policy reflects contemporary trends, particularly the shift from a creative industry to a creative economy.

 

Musawa further said that the ministry’s partnership with NESG and UNESCO had been instrumental in ensuring a well-structured and inclusive review process.

 

“Through the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2024, NESG has provided research, technical support, and stakeholder engagement strategies to ensure that the final policy meets both national and international standards.

 

“Additionally, UNESCO’s technical assistance has played a key role in training Ministry staff and NESG representatives to align the revised policy with global best practices.

 

“The organisation has facilitated workshops and provided expert guidance to ensure that Nigeria’s policy supports the growth of the creative economy while preserving cultural heritage,” she said.

 

Also speaking, a facilitator at NESG, Ikenna Nwosu, who participated in the policy drafting process said: ”for 37 years, this policy remained unchanged despite the rapid transformation of the cultural and creative sectors.

 

“Ideally, such policies should be reviewed every five to 10 years. What we are witnessing today is a long-overdue intervention.

 

“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.

 

“The minister’s leadership in driving this review is commendable, as it will reposition our cultural sector as a key contributor to Nigeria’s GDP.”(NAN)(nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Restoring Okomu National Park’s integrity for eco-tourism development

Restoring Okomu National Park’s integrity for eco-tourism development

461 total views today

By Usman Aliyu, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Okomu National Park, a biodiversity gem nestled in the Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo, had long suffered the required attention.

In spite of its values to national development in tourism sector, concerned citizens note that illegal logging, poaching, and encroachment by farmers once threatened its rich ecosystem, home to the endangered African forest elephant and the white-throated monkey — one of the world’s rarest primates.

In a bid to secure the park, the Okomu National Park Service (NPS) and the Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation, collaborated to restore the park’s integrity.

The collaboration, which began in 2022, is not just about conservation; it is a holistic effort to secure the park, empower surrounding communities, and foster eco-tourism development.

From reinforcing security through ranger recruitment to initiating community-driven alternative livelihoods, the partnership is redefining conservation in the country.

In spite of its vast ecological significance, the the 200-square kilometre protected area, designated as a national park in 1999, has struggled with illegal activities inimical to its values.

Reports from conservation groups have highlighted how timber merchants exploited the forest for its valuable hardwood, while poachers targeted endangered species for bushmeat and illicit trade.

A 2020 study by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) revealed that widespread deforestation within the park was driven by commercial interests, with criminal syndicates felling ancient trees and smuggling timber to international markets.

In addition, the unchecked hunting of wildlife, including elephants and primates, pushed several species to the brink of local extinction.

“The threats to Okomu were enormous; when I resumed duty in November 2022, illegal logging was a major challenge, and we had to find a sustainable solution”, Mr Lawrence Osaze, the Conservator of Park, observed.

Lawrence Osaze, Conservator of Park at the Okomu National Park, Edo

Recognising the urgent need for intervention, the National Park Service sought partnerships with conservation organisations that had a proven track record of success.

This led to the involvement of the Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation, which had demonstrated effective eco-tourism and conservation models in Gashaka Gumti National Park in Taraba and Adamawa.

The partnership between ANI Foundation and Okomu National Park began in 2022, and within two years, significant progress had been made in tackling the park’s longstanding problems, Osaze noted.

He said that one of the foundation’s first actions was to enhance the park’s security infrastructure.

“ANI Foundation hired and trained 38 additional rangers, equipping them with modern surveillance tools and deploying them for regular anti-poaching patrols. This move drastically reduced illegal logging and wildlife hunting.

“We joined forces together, and the story today is entirely different. The park is relatively peaceful, and logging activities are at the barest minimum.

“Before the partnership, rangers were often outnumbered and under-resourced, making it difficult to curb illegal activities. But ANI’s intervention has transformed the situation.

“The foundation has not only provided financial and logistical support but has also introduced intelligence-driven security measures, ensuring that poachers and loggers face swift consequences.

Entrance to Okomu National Park, Edo

“Beyond enforcement, the foundation recognised the importance of winning over local communities. Many of the park’s challenges stemmed from economic hardship, as nearby villagers relied on the forest for survival.

To address this, ANI introduced several empowerment initiatives, encouraging residents to adopt sustainable livelihoods.

“We have had a series of engagements with communities to gain their support. We are working to ensure they do not rely solely on forest resources for survival”, Osaze explained.

He noted further that the initiatives included savings and loan programmes for women and youth, enabling them to establish small businesses, expand their farms, or invest in alternative sources of income.

Similarly, the Iyase of Udo, Chief Patrick Igbinidu, a respected traditional ruler in the area, said that the impact of these interventions was evident.

“ANI Foundation has been a great partner since they arrived at Okomu National Park. They have not only improved security but have also empowered our people. Many of our youths have been employed as rangers, and women have been supported with interest-free loans,” he said.

According to him, these programmes have been instrumental in shifting local perceptions of conservation.

He also said that communities viewed the national park as a government-imposed restriction on their livelihoods, but now, they could see it as an opportunity for economic growth and stability.

Base-of-tree-house at Okomu National Park

By most accounts, Okomu National Park is one of Nigeria’s most important biodiversity hotspots, hosting species that are rarely found elsewhere.

ANI Foundation, meanwhile, prioritises protecting these species to promote eco-tourism as a sustainable revenue model for the park.

Peter Abanyam, ANI Foundation’s Project Manager for Okomu, emphasised the park’s ecological importance.

“Okomu is the primary home of the white-throated monkey. Apart from a small population in south-western part of the country, this park is where you find them in the world. The African forest elephant is also a flagship species here,” he noted.

By boosting conservation efforts, Abanyam insisted that the foundation would attract both domestic and international tourists, positioning Okomu as an eco-tourism destination.

According to the project manager, plans are underway to upgrade park facilities, improve visitor experiences, and market Okomu as a must-visit site for nature lovers.

Both the National Park Service and ANI Foundation acknowledge that long-term success will depend on maintaining vigilance against illegal activities while expanding alternative livelihood programs.

“Our goal is to make Africa’s nature and wildlife a source of pride. We want to show that conservation can be sustainable and beneficial to local communities through private sector investment,” Abanyam said.

Amidst the sustainable efforts, the Iyase of Udo, also reaffirmed the community’s commitment to the partnership.

“We will continue to support ANI and the National Park Service. They have shown a genuine interest in developing our area, and we stand with them,” he said.

Observers note that for Osaze and his team, the vision is clear. It is to make Okomu National Park Nigeria’s premier eco-tourism hub, a model for conservation success across the country.

They note further that the transformation of Okomu National Park is a testament to the power of strategic partnerships in conservation.

According to them, by combining security reinforcement, community engagement, and eco-tourism development, the collaboration between ANI Foundation and the National Park Service is setting a new standard for environmental protection.

What was once a forest under threat is now a beacon of hope for conservationists, researchers, and nature lovers alike, they note.

Stakeholders in tourism industry also agree that if sustained, Okomu model could be replicated in other national parks across the country, ensuring that the country’s rich biodiversity is preserved for future generations.

As efforts continue to safeguard Okomu’s natural heritage, one thing is clear. When conservation is done right, it benefits not just the environment but also the people who depend on it, stakeholders believe. (NANFeatures)

FG partners Afrexim Bank, others to boost creative sector

FG partners Afrexim Bank, others to boost creative sector

709 total views today

By Joshua Olomu

The Federal Government has forged pivotal partnership with African Export-Import Bank (Afrexim Bank) and others toward ensuring that the creative and tourism sector contributes meaningfully to the nation’s economy.

Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Musawa said the partnerships were initiated and concretised through the ministry.

According to her, some of the strategic partners also include Wakanow, Africa’s premiere tour operator, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and TelAirVision, among others.

The minister said that the collaborative initiatives were in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of building a one trillion dollars economy from the sector.

Musawa said these collaborations were geared towards driving growth, enhance cultural diplomacy, and boost gross domestic Production (GDP) contribution from the ministry to the nation’s economy.

The minister said investors, Nigerian content creators and other industry players in the creative economy were already benefiting from such partnerships, policy initiatives and bold reforms in the sector.

According to her, a recent deal with Afreximbank enabled Nigeria to secure a 200 million dollars financing facility from the bank to provide essential funding for businesses and entrepreneurs in the creative sector.

She said the move was to ensure that Nigeria’s creatives, ranging from filmmakers to digital innovator, have the capital needed to scale their ventures, create jobs, and expand their global reach.

“The Creative Leap Acceleration Programme (CLAP) is also developed in partnership with Lebara Nigeria that provides creatives with equitable loans, digital financing, and affordable internet access, ensuring their seamless participation in the digital economy.

“Additionally, inbound tourists will benefit from streamlined financial services and eSIM activation, enhancing their experience in Nigeria.

“To strengthen Nigeria’s creative workforce, the ministry has partnered with Alison, a global e-learning provider, integrating its Learning Management System (LMS) into CLAP.

“This offers creatives access to courses in digital media, gaming, music production, and cinematography, positioning Nigeria as a globally competitive creative hub.

“Another key partnership was a boost to digital storytelling through the Content Creators Challenge, a partnership between FMACTCE and TelAirVision.

“This initiative provides funding, mentorship, and distribution support for digital creatives transitioning from short-form to full-length productions.

“By expanding opportunities in the content economy, the program fosters innovation and employment while promoting Nigerian talent on a global stage,” she said.

Musawa said, to ensure financial probity in the sector, fraud prevention measures had been put in place, as the ministry joined forces with Prembly to implement advanced Know Your Customer (KYC) verification.

She further explained a partnership with the Presidential Tax Committee to introduce tax incentives and credits, making Nigeria’s creative sector more appealing to foreign investors.

She said the ministry had also taken steps towards investment in infrastructure by singing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cavista Holdings.

She said that the MoU focused on developing tourism infrastructure, digitising tourism experiences, and investment in human capital.

She said the ministry under her watch, was strengthening international collaborations, including the one with the British Council, to drive skills development and cultural exchanges.

“The ministry has engaged the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to analyse best practices from South Korea, Saudi Arabia, India, Japan, and China.

“These insights will help Nigeria tailors policies that drive the creative economy’s growth and maximise its GDP contribution.

“There is also strategic agreements with Brazil which include the renovation of Casa da Nigeria in Salvador, fostering co-productions in film and music, and promoting cultural exchange.

“Similarly, there is a partnership with the French Republic that grants Nigerian creatives access to French markets and specialised training in fashion, gaming, and cinema,” she said.

Musawa added that the ministry’s strategic partnership initiatives would not only create jobs and attract investment but also position Nigeria as a cultural and creative powerhouse in the global economy.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email