The Federal Government is in the final stages of a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s National Policy on Culture, marking the first revision in 37 years.
This initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, is being undertaken in collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa is leading the review process to modernize the country’s cultural policy, ensuring it aligns with global standards and keeps pace with the rapidly evolving creative economy.
In a statement released on Friday, Director of Press at the ministry, Chindaya Ahmadu, emphasized that this effort aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his administration’s dedication to revitalizing Nigeria’s cultural sector.
The existing policy, last revised in 1988, remained in draft form for decades despite significant advancements in the creative and cultural industries.
The Cultural Policy Drafting Committee, inaugurated by the Minister in July 2024, consists of more than 100 experts working within specialized sub-groups to develop the new framework.
Following the conclusion of the virtual drafting phase in December 2024, the final physical drafting session is currently underway in Abuja from March 20 to 24, 2025. Once completed, the policy will be presented to the Federal Executive Council for approval.
Highlighting the importance of this initiative, Ugochi Akudo-Nwosu, Director of Entertainment and Creative Economy at the ministry, described the National Policy on Culture as the legal foundation for preserving, promoting, and advancing Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
She noted that the revised policy would incorporate contemporary shifts in the industry, transitioning from a creative industry to a creative economy.
“With this exercise, we are solidifying a roadmap that will strengthen Nigeria’s identity on the global stage,” she remarked.
Ikenna Nwosu, a facilitator at NESG, hailed the review as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s cultural history, pointing out that such policies should ideally be revised every five to ten years.
“For 37 years, this policy remained unchanged despite the rapid transformation of the cultural and creative sectors,” he stated.
“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 Honourable Minister’s leadership in driving this review is commendable, as it will reposition our cultural sector as a key contributor to Nigeria’s GDP.”
UNESCO Representative Ifeanyi Ajaegbo underscored the organization’s commitment to the review, emphasizing that the policy update is in line with UNESCO’s 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.
“Our partnership with the Ministry ensures that the policy aligns with international standards and establishes a more structured, participatory, and transparent cultural governance system in Nigeria,” he affirmed.
The ongoing review has been greatly supported by a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Ministry and NESG in 2024.
This partnership has provided essential technical expertise, research insights, and broad stakeholder engagement to craft a policy that is both inclusive and comprehensive.
UNESCO has also played a crucial role, offering expert training to ministry officials and NESG representatives through workshops designed to align the revised policy with international best practices while preserving Nigeria’s cultural richness.
Once finalized, the new policy will serve as a renewed legal and strategic framework, fostering the expansion of Nigeria’s creative economy while safeguarding and celebrating the nation’s cultural legacy.
