Manny Ita –
The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy has identified Artificial Intelligence as a central pillar for accelerating Nigeria’s economic growth in 2026, stressing that emerging technologies will reshape the country’s creative and cultural industries.
The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, said the government is prioritising policies and programmes that integrate AI into film, music, publishing, fashion, gaming, and digital content production to enhance productivity and global competitiveness. She noted that technology-driven creativity would open new revenue streams, create jobs, and position Nigeria as a major exporter of cultural products.
Musawa stated that Artificial Intelligence has the potential to democratise content creation, reduce production costs, and enable young creators to compete internationally without the need for expensive infrastructure. “Artificial Intelligence is not a threat to creativity; it is an amplifier of human imagination and a tool for economic transformation,” she said, adding that the ministry is working with stakeholders to develop frameworks that support innovation while protecting intellectual property rights.
She explained that the government intends to establish training programmes, digital hubs, and funding mechanisms to equip young Nigerians with skills required to leverage AI responsibly and commercially. According to her, the creative economy remains one of the country’s fastest-growing sectors and can contribute significantly to diversification away from oil dependency.
The minister also emphasised the importance of ethical standards and regulatory safeguards to prevent misuse of AI technologies, noting that responsible adoption is essential to maintaining cultural authenticity and public trust. She urged private investors, tech companies, and educational institutions to collaborate with government in building a sustainable AI ecosystem.
Industry stakeholders say the initiative reflects a broader national push toward digital transformation, as Nigeria seeks to harness innovation to drive inclusive growth, boost exports of creative content, and strengthen its position in the global digital economy.
