Nigeria and the European Union have entered into a €20 million partnership aimed at strengthening collaboration between museums, supporting film festivals, and promoting the country’s growing digital creative industry.
The initiative was unveiled on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, to the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, at her office in Abuja.
According to the Minister, the initiative marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to leverage Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage as a driver for economic growth, job creation, and national cohesion.
“Culture is central to civilization and growth. We must harness our rich cultural heritage to drive economic growth, create jobs, and promote national unity,” Musawa said during the high-level meeting.
The €20 million cultural support programme is expected to leave a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s cultural landscape, with emphasis on institutional partnerships, capacity building, digital innovation, and international exchanges.
Also on the table are plans for a Creative Economy Summit, which Musawa said would bring together key stakeholders to harmonise activities and avoid duplication in the sector. “The Summit will drive strategic collaboration, investment, and innovation in Nigeria’s creative space,” she noted.
The Minister further revealed an upcoming national project titled ‘Unity Song’, which will feature top Nigerian musical artists with the goal of using music as a tool for national healing and security messaging.
On data-driven policymaking, Musawa stressed the importance of cultural data mapping to guide effective interventions across the creative sector. “We cannot operate in the dark. Data will inform our actions, ensure targeted investment, and measure impact,” she added.
The EU delegation reaffirmed its commitment to deepening cooperation with Nigeria across the cultural spectrum, especially in developing digital skills, boosting youth employment, and aligning projects with global standards while remaining rooted in local realities.
Both parties agreed to continue collaborative engagements that position Nigeria’s creative economy as a tool for sustainable development and international diplomacy.
