Nigeria Finally Updates Cultural Policy After 37 Years
By Ibrahim Umar,
Kanempress News,
22nd,March,2025
After nearly four decades, Nigeria’s National Policy on Culture is finally getting a much-needed update. Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, announced that the final draft is almost complete and will soon be presented for approval.
The last official cultural policy was reviewed in 1988, and despite its importance in shaping Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries, successive governments left it in draft form for years. Now, the Ministry of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, in partnership with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is working to modernize it.
A New Policy for a Changing World
In July 2024, the Cultural Policy Drafting Committee was formed, bringing together over 100 experts from various sectors. By December, they had completed a virtual draft, which is now undergoing refinements before being validated by stakeholders. Once finalized, it will be sent to the Federal Executive Council for approval.
Musawa emphasized that this policy revision aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is crucial for positioning Nigeria’s creative and cultural sector as a key economic driver. “Culture is the backbone of national identity and a powerful economic asset. Updating this policy ensures that Nigeria remains at the forefront of the global creative economy,” she said.
Long Overdue, but a Major Step Forward
NESG facilitator Ikenna Nwosu pointed out that cultural policies should ideally be updated every 5 to 10 years. “A lot has changed since 1988. The world has moved forward with digital transformation, globalization, and new forms of cultural expression. Nigeria’s policy must reflect these realities,” he said.
With UNESCO’s backing, the revised policy aims to preserve Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage while fostering sustainable growth in the arts, film, music, and tourism industries. This long-overdue update is expected to provide a structured framework for investment, innovation, and global competitiveness in Nigeria’s creative space.
As the final steps in the review process unfold, stakeholders and industry players eagerly anticipate a policy that will shape Nigeria’s cultural landscape for years to come.
