By Emma Elebeke

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s creative economy and empowering storytellers nationwide.

This reassurance was delivered by the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa, represented by Mr. Obi Asika, during the Light Up Night Opening Ceremony of the 2025 Zuma International Film Festival in Abuja.

The Zuma Festival, the Federal Government’s flagship film event organized by the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), has recorded notable progress this year with the inclusion of an international jury and a broader selection of global films and directors.

Delivering the Minister’s remarks, Asika commended the Director-General of the NFC and the festival team for their resilience in hosting the event despite national and global challenges. He said the festival’s rising international profile reflects Nigeria’s growing cultural influence.

Barrister Musawa highlighted the power of storytelling as the engine driving the evolution of Nigeria’s creative industries. She described Nollywood as one of the world’s most remarkable examples of creative disruption—growing from humble VHS productions in the early 1990s to a billion-dollar global industry by 2025, largely without government funding.

She paid tribute to Nollywood pioneers for their groundbreaking contributions, noting that their efforts laid the foundation for Africa’s largest film industry.

The Minister also stressed the urgent need to properly document Nollywood’s history, warning that achievements not recorded risk being forgotten or misattributed. She said the Ministry will explore ways to encourage broadcasters, commissioning producers, and television networks to tell the authentic story of Nollywood’s journey.

According to her, Nigeria’s wider creative economy—including film, music, literature, visual arts, and media—is powered by innovators who often begin uncelebrated but ultimately reshape cultural and economic landscapes. She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding opportunities, platforms, and capacity-building for Nigerian creatives across all sectors.