Culture and Tourism

Minister Seeks Implementation of MoUs With Namibia on Culture, Tourism

Published

4 years ago

January 14, 2022

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has
called for the implementation of the various MoUs between Nigeria and
Namibia, especially in the areas of culture and tourism, to ensure
that they translate into economic benefits for the two countries.

The Minister made the call in Abuja on Thursday when he received the
Namibian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Humphrey Geiseb, on a
courtesy visit.

He observed that the bilateral cooperation between the two nations,
which dates back to 1992 on the platform of the 1st Nigeria-Namibia
Joint Commission, expired without implementation, and expressed the
hope that the MoUs will be revived for implementation this time
around.

“Because the agreement on tourism cooperation between both countries
suffered from lack of follow-up, a separate MOU on tourism cooperation
was decided upon during the 3rd session of the Joint Commission in
2008, and signed six years later, in 2014.

“Unfortunately, the MOU, which had a lifespan of five years, has
expired and, until then, nothing was done by our two countries. I am
aware that efforts are on to renew the MoU for another five years.
Hopefully, this time, we will act to implement the MoU,” Alhaji
Mohammed said.

He promised to encourage a working relationship between Nollywood and
the Namibian Film Industry, against the background of the interest
expressed by a talented Namibian actress to feature in Nollywood
movies as a way of further honing her professional skills.

The Minister, who welcomed the support offered by Namibia to help
improve Elephant conservation in Nigeria,
stressed that with global warming and poaching, African wildlife is in
danger of extinction.

He thanked the Namibian Government for supporting Nigeria with 279
wildlife animals in line with the signed MoU on Cooperation in the
area of wildlife with the Government of Bauchi State.

“The animals, which comprised of 10 Giraffes, 53 Burchell’s Zebras, 14
Elands, 23 Blue Wildebeests, 21 Red Hartebeests, 24 Oryx, 26 Kudus, 52Springboks and 56 Common Impalas, were placed at the Sumu Wildlife
Sanctuary, which is located in Ganjuwa Local Government Area of Bauchi
State. We remain grateful to the Government and people of Namibia for
this,” Alhaji Mohammed said.

In his remarks, the High Commissioner went down memory lane to recount
the support which Namibia received from Nigeria in its struggle for
independence, and said the Namibia-Nigeria Joint Commission, which
last met in 2010, will meet next month to consider all the various
areas of cooperation between the two countries.

He listed additional areas of cooperation to include creative
industries, beef infrastructure, animal conservation, tourism and oil
and gas sector.

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Creative Industry

Minister Calls For Increased Investment In Nigeria Creative Economy

Published

14 hours ago

October 7, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has called on stakeholders to increase investment in the country’s creative sector.

Speaking at the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja on Tuesday, Minister Musawa emphasized the sector’s potential to drive inclusive growth, generate employment, and enhance global competitiveness.

She said that recent statistics show that the creative economy in Nigeria currently contributes approximately 2.3% to the national GDP and employs over 4.2 million people across various sectors. Musawa highlighted the sector’s growth potential, citing the success of Nollywood, the Nigerian fashion industry, and the Afrobeats music genre.

“We must create an environment that attracts both local and international investors to our creative industries. This requires not only financial incentives but also a strong regulatory framework that ensures transparency, accountability, and ease of doing business,” Minister Musawa said.

The Minister also identified challenges facing the sector, including limited access to funding, inadequate infrastructure, and regulatory and policy challenges. She urged financial institutions to develop financial instruments tailored to the unique needs of the creative sector and called for increased investment in infrastructure and skills development.

“I urge those present who represent the formal financial sector, to start to make considerations for the unique nature of our sector and its products,” the Minister stated.

Musawa emphasized the need for a supportive and enabling regulatory environment that fosters innovation and creativity. She assured

stakeholders that the ministry would continue to drive changes in regulatory and policy frameworks to support the industry.

“Together, we can build a future where creativity and innovation drive sustainable economic growth and cultural prosperity for Nigeria. As Omoyemi Akerele, Founder and CEO of Lagos Fashion Week and Style House Files, once said, ‘The creative economy is not just about entertainment; it’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem that empowers our talents and showcases our rich cultural heritage to the world,'” Minister Musawa concluded.

The workshop, themed “Building Productive Sectors: Investing in the Creative Economy,” brought together key stakeholders, private sector investors, and creative entrepreneurs to discuss ways to harness the potential of the creative economy and build a robust and productive sector.

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